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JP2006243154A - Particle movement type display element and particle movement type display device - Google Patents

Particle movement type display element and particle movement type display device Download PDF

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JP2006243154A
JP2006243154A JP2005056060A JP2005056060A JP2006243154A JP 2006243154 A JP2006243154 A JP 2006243154A JP 2005056060 A JP2005056060 A JP 2005056060A JP 2005056060 A JP2005056060 A JP 2005056060A JP 2006243154 A JP2006243154 A JP 2006243154A
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electrode
substrate
magnetic particles
colored charged
magnetic
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Nozomi Izumi
望 和泉
Nobutaka Ukigaya
信貴 浮ヶ谷
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

【課題】 長期的に安定した中間調表示を可能にする粒子移動型表示素子及び粒子移動型表示装置を提供する。
【解決手段】 第1基板3及び第2基板4の一方の基板側に、着色帯電磁性粒子2の第1基板3及び第2基板4の他方の基板側への移動を磁力により規制する磁性部材10を設け、かつこの磁性部材10を一方の基板側の電極に沿って段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるように構成することにより、一方の基板側に集められ、第1電極5及び第2電極6の間に生じる電界による静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子2のうち、着色帯電磁性粒子2と磁性部材10の間に働く磁力よりも大きい静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子2を他方の基板側に移動させる。
【選択図】 図1
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a particle movement type display element and a particle movement type display device capable of stable halftone display for a long term.
A magnetic member that restricts movement of colored charged magnetic particles 2 to the other substrate side of the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 by a magnetic force on one substrate side of the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4. 10 and the magnetic member 10 is configured so as to generate different magnetic fields stepwise along the electrode on one substrate side, thereby collecting the first electrode 5 and the second electrode on the one substrate side. Of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 that have received an electrostatic force due to an electric field generated between the electrodes 6, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 that have received an electrostatic force greater than the magnetic force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles 2 and the magnetic member 10 are used as the other. Move to the substrate side.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

本発明は、着色帯電磁性粒子を移動させて表示を行う粒子移動型表示素子及び粒子移動型表示装置に関し、特に着色帯電磁性粒子の移動を規制する磁性部材を備えたものに関する。   The present invention relates to a particle movement type display element and a particle movement type display device that perform display by moving colored charged magnetic particles, and more particularly, to a device equipped with a magnetic member that regulates the movement of colored charged magnetic particles.

近年、情報機器の発達に伴い、低消費電力且つ薄型の表示装置のニーズが増しており、このニーズに合わせた表示装置の研究、開発が盛んに行われている。中でも低消費電力、視覚への負担軽減などの観点から反射型表示装置が期待されている。   In recent years, with the development of information equipment, the need for low power consumption and thin display devices is increasing, and research and development of display devices that meet these needs are actively conducted. In particular, reflective display devices are expected from the viewpoints of low power consumption and reduction of visual burden.

ここで、このような反射型表示装置の一例として、着色帯電磁性粒子を移動させて表示を行う粒子移動型表示装置があり、このような粒子移動型表示装置としては、絶縁性液体中の帯電泳動粒子を移動させて表示を行う電気泳動表示装置がある。さらに、このような電気泳動表示装置として、例えば着色帯電磁性粒子の移動を規制する磁性部材を備えた電気泳動表示素子を備えた装置が考案されている(例えば、特許文献1参照)。   Here, as an example of such a reflection type display device, there is a particle movement type display device that performs display by moving colored charged magnetic particles, and such a particle movement type display device includes a charge in an insulating liquid. There is an electrophoretic display device that performs display by moving electrophoretic particles. Furthermore, as such an electrophoretic display device, for example, an apparatus including an electrophoretic display element including a magnetic member that regulates the movement of colored charged magnetic particles has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 1).

ところで、このような従来の磁性部材を用いた電気泳動表示素子は、図7に示すように、磁性体を含有する帯電した着色帯電磁性粒子62及び着色帯電磁性粒子62と異なった色の着色色素が溶解された絶縁性液体61からなる分散層と、分散層を内包するマイクロカプセル67と、このマイクロカプセル67を挟んで対峙する一組の電極65,66と、一組の基板63,64と、一方の基板中に形成された磁性部材68とを備えている。   By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, an electrophoretic display element using such a conventional magnetic member has a charged colored charged magnetic particle 62 containing a magnetic material and a colored dye having a color different from that of the colored charged magnetic particle 62. A dispersion layer made of an insulating liquid 61 in which is dissolved, a microcapsule 67 containing the dispersion layer, a pair of electrodes 65 and 66 facing each other with the microcapsule 67 interposed therebetween, and a pair of substrates 63 and 64 And a magnetic member 68 formed in one of the substrates.

なお、このような電気泳動表示素子において表示を行う際には、電極65,66を介して分散層に電圧を印加し、着色帯電磁性粒子62を粒子自身が持つ電荷と反対極性の電極に引き寄せるようにする。そして、表示は、この着色帯電磁性粒子62の色と、着色帯電磁性粒子62の色相と異なる着色色素が溶解された絶縁性液体61の色によって行われる。   When display is performed in such an electrophoretic display element, a voltage is applied to the dispersion layer via the electrodes 65 and 66, and the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are attracted to an electrode having a polarity opposite to the charge of the particles themselves. Like that. The display is performed by the color of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 and the color of the insulating liquid 61 in which a coloring pigment different from the hue of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 is dissolved.

例えば、図7の(b)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子62を第1電極65側に集めた状態で、第1電極65を正極に、第2電極66を負極にした場合、第1電極65と第2電極66との間の電界によって発生する静電気力が、磁性部材68と着色帯電磁性粒子62との間に働く磁力よりも大きい場合は、図7の(a)に示すように正電荷の着色帯電磁性粒子62が第2電極66側に移動する。このとき、観測者(第2基板64側)からは、着色帯電磁性粒子62の色が表示される。   For example, in the state where the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are collected on the first electrode 65 side as shown in FIG. 7B, the first electrode 65 is used as the positive electrode and the second electrode 66 is used as the negative electrode. When the electrostatic force generated by the electric field between 65 and the second electrode 66 is greater than the magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 68 and the colored charged magnetic particles 62, the positive force is obtained as shown in FIG. The charged colored magnetic particles 62 with charges move to the second electrode 66 side. At this time, the color of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 is displayed from the observer (second substrate 64 side).

逆に、図7の(a)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子62を第2電極側に集めた状態で、第1電極65を負極に、第2電極66を正極にした場合、図7の(b)に示すように正電荷の着色帯電磁性粒子62が第1電極65側に移動する。このとき、観測者(第2基板64側)からは、絶縁性液体61内に含まれる着色色素の色が表示される。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are gathered on the second electrode side and the first electrode 65 is the negative electrode and the second electrode 66 is the positive electrode, As shown in (b), the positively charged colored charged magnetic particles 62 move to the first electrode 65 side. At this time, the color of the coloring pigment contained in the insulating liquid 61 is displayed from the observer (second substrate 64 side).

なお、第1電極65と第2電極66との間の電界によって発生する静電気力が、磁性部材68と着色帯電磁性粒子62との間に働く磁力よりも小さい場合は、着色帯電磁性粒子62は電圧印加以前の位置を維持する。つまり、着色帯電磁性粒子62は、磁性部材68と着色帯電磁性粒子62との間に働く磁力に相当するしきい値を有し、このしきい値を超える大きさの静電気力が加えられた場合に、着色帯電磁性粒子62は移動することができる。   When the electrostatic force generated by the electric field between the first electrode 65 and the second electrode 66 is smaller than the magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 68 and the colored charged magnetic particles 62, the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are Maintain the position before applying voltage. That is, the colored charged magnetic particles 62 have a threshold value corresponding to the magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 68 and the colored charged magnetic particles 62, and an electrostatic force exceeding the threshold value is applied. In addition, the colored charged magnetic particles 62 can move.

WO02/093245 A1公報WO02 / 093245 A1 publication

ところで、このような従来の電気泳動表示素子においては、全ての着色帯電磁性粒子62のしきい値に対応するしきい値電圧は同一であった。このため、中間調表示を行う際には、着色帯電磁性粒子62が一対の電極間を完全に移動することができる電圧よりも低く、しきい値電圧よりも高い電圧を印加することによって、中間調表示を行っていた。   By the way, in such a conventional electrophoretic display element, the threshold voltages corresponding to the threshold values of all the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are the same. For this reason, when halftone display is performed, by applying a voltage lower than the voltage at which the colored charged magnetic particles 62 can completely move between the pair of electrodes and higher than the threshold voltage, The key was displayed.

ところが、この場合、図7の(c)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子62はマイクロカプセル67表面に付着せずに絶縁性液体61中で分散することになる。ここで、このように着色帯電磁性粒子62を絶縁性液体61中で分散させた状態で、着色帯電磁性粒子62の位置を固定し、長期間にわたって中間調の表示状態を維持するためには、着色帯電磁性粒子62と絶縁性液体61の比重を一致させる必要があった。   In this case, however, the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are dispersed in the insulating liquid 61 without adhering to the surface of the microcapsule 67 as shown in FIG. Here, in the state where the colored charged magnetic particles 62 are dispersed in the insulating liquid 61 as described above, in order to fix the position of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 and maintain a halftone display state over a long period of time, The specific gravity of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 and the insulating liquid 61 must be matched.

このためには、着色帯電磁性粒子62の比重を下げる、或いは絶縁性液体61の比重を上げる必要があるが、特に、磁性部材を含有する着色帯電磁性粒子62を用いる場合には、絶縁性液体61に対して着色帯電磁性粒子62の重量が重くなるため、絶縁性液体61と着色帯電磁性粒子62との比重を一致させるためには材料の選択幅が非常に狭くなるという問題があった。   For this purpose, it is necessary to lower the specific gravity of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 or increase the specific gravity of the insulating liquid 61. In particular, when the colored charged magnetic particles 62 containing a magnetic member are used, the insulating liquid is used. Since the weight of the colored charged magnetic particles 62 is heavier than that of the 61, there is a problem that the selection range of the material becomes very narrow in order to make the specific gravity of the insulating liquid 61 and the colored charged magnetic particles 62 coincide.

そこで、本発明は、このような問題点を解決するためになされたものであり、長期的に安定した中間調表示を可能にする電気泳動表示素子(粒子移動型表示素子)及び電気泳動表示装置(粒子移動型表示装置)を提供することを目的とするものである。   Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an electrophoretic display element (particle movement type display element) and an electrophoretic display device that enable stable halftone display over a long period of time. The object is to provide a (particle movement type display device).

本発明は、間隙を設けて配置された第1基板及び第2基板の間に着色帯電磁性粒子を配し、前記着色帯電磁性粒子を、前記間隙に面して配置された第1電極及び第2電極の間に生じる電界により間隙内を移動させて画像を表示させる粒子移動型表示素子において、前記第1基板及び第2基板の一方の基板側に、前記着色帯電磁性粒子の前記第1基板及び第2基板の他方の基板側への移動を磁力により規制し、かつ前記第1電極及び第2電極のうちの一方の基板側の電極に沿って段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるように構成された磁性部材を設け、前記一方の基板側に集められ、前記第1電極及び第2電極の間に生じる電界による静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子のうち、前記着色帯電磁性粒子と前記磁性部材の間に働く磁力よりも大きい静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子を前記他方の基板側に移動させることを特徴とするものである。   According to the present invention, colored charged magnetic particles are arranged between a first substrate and a second substrate arranged with a gap, and the colored charged magnetic particles are arranged so as to face the gap and the first electrode and In a particle movement type display element that displays an image by moving in a gap by an electric field generated between two electrodes, the first substrate of the colored charged magnetic particles is disposed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate. The movement of the second substrate to the other substrate side is restricted by magnetic force, and different magnetic fields are generated stepwise along the electrode on the one substrate side of the first electrode and the second electrode. Among the colored charged magnetic particles that are provided with a configured magnetic member and are collected on the one substrate side and have received an electrostatic force due to an electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, the colored charged magnetic particles and the Greater than the magnetic force acting between magnetic members It is characterized in that to move the colored charged magnetic particles that have undergone electric force on the substrate side of the other.

本発明のように、第1基板及び第2基板の一方の基板側に、着色帯電磁性粒子の第1基板及び第2基板の他方の基板側への移動を磁力により規制する磁性部材を設け、かつこの磁性部材を一方の基板側の電極に沿って段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるように構成することにより、一方の基板側に集められ、第1電極及び第2電極の間に生じる電界による静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子のうち、着色帯電磁性粒子と磁性部材の間に働く磁力よりも大きい静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子を他方の基板側に移動させることができる。これにより、着色帯電磁性粒子が絶縁性液体中で分散することがなくなり、長期的に安定した中間調表示が可能となる。   As in the present invention, on one substrate side of the first substrate and the second substrate, a magnetic member for restricting the movement of the colored charged magnetic particles to the other substrate side of the first substrate and the second substrate by a magnetic force is provided, In addition, by configuring the magnetic member to generate different magnetic fields stepwise along the electrode on one substrate side, the electric field collected between the first substrate side and generated between the first electrode and the second electrode is generated. Among the colored charged magnetic particles subjected to the electrostatic force by the colored charged magnetic particles, the colored charged magnetic particles that have received an electrostatic force larger than the magnetic force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles and the magnetic member can be moved to the other substrate side. As a result, the colored charged magnetic particles are not dispersed in the insulating liquid, and a stable halftone display is possible over the long term.

以下、図面を参照して、本発明を実施するための最良の形態について説明する。   The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図1は、本発明の第1の実施の形態に係る粒子移動型表示素子の一例である電気泳動表示素子の概略構成を示す図であり、図1に示すように、この電気泳動表示素子は、所定間隙を空けた状態に配置された一対の基板である表示側の第2基板4及び後方側の第1基板3と、これらの基板3,4の間隙を形成するための隔壁9と、基板3,4と隔壁9に囲まれた空間内に配置された絶縁性液体1と、絶縁性液体1に分散された複数の着色された着色帯電磁性粒子2と、を備えている。   FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrophoretic display element which is an example of the particle movement type display element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. A second substrate 4 on the display side and a first substrate 3 on the rear side, which are a pair of substrates arranged with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a partition wall 9 for forming a gap between these substrates 3 and 4; An insulating liquid 1 disposed in a space surrounded by the substrates 3 and 4 and the partition walls 9 and a plurality of colored charged magnetic particles 2 dispersed in the insulating liquid 1 are provided.

なお、この電気泳動表示素子は、基板上にマトリクス配置した画素を有するものであり、隔壁9は隣接する画素間での着色帯電磁性粒子2の移動を防止する機能を併せ持っている。   This electrophoretic display element has pixels arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and the partition wall 9 also has a function of preventing the colored charged magnetic particles 2 from moving between adjacent pixels.

また、第1電極5は第1基板3の第2基板4に対向する面上に配置されており、この第1電極5によって表示の1単位、即ち画素が画定される。そして、この第1電極5の表面は第1絶縁層7によって被覆されている。   The first electrode 5 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 3 facing the second substrate 4, and the first electrode 5 defines one unit of display, that is, a pixel. The surface of the first electrode 5 is covered with the first insulating layer 7.

一方、第1電極5と異なる極性の電圧が印加される第2電極6は第2基板4に配置されている。そして、この空間(間隙)に面して配置された第1電極5と第2電極6との間で、磁性体を含有した着色帯電磁性粒子2の空間分布を制御する電場を形成することによって、着色帯電磁性粒子2を、第1電極5と第2電極6との間を移動させるようにしている。なお、この第2電極6の表面は絶縁層8によって被覆されている。   On the other hand, the second electrode 6 to which a voltage having a polarity different from that of the first electrode 5 is applied is disposed on the second substrate 4. Then, by forming an electric field for controlling the spatial distribution of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 containing the magnetic material between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 arranged facing the space (gap). The colored charged magnetic particles 2 are moved between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. The surface of the second electrode 6 is covered with an insulating layer 8.

さらに、絶縁性液体1及び着色帯電磁性粒子2からなる分散層近傍には、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して第1電極5に沿った方向である電極面内方向で段階的に異なった磁力を加える複数の磁性部材10が電極面内方向に並設されている。ここで、この磁性部材10は、第1基板3上、第1電極5上、第1絶縁層7上、或いはそれらの内部等に配置することができる。また、この磁性部材10は観測者から絶縁性液体1及び着色帯電磁性粒子2が観測可能であれば、第2基板4、第2電極6、第2絶縁層8、或いはそれらの内部等に配置することができる。   Further, in the vicinity of the dispersion layer composed of the insulating liquid 1 and the colored charged magnetic particles 2, magnetic forces that differ stepwise in the electrode in-plane direction, which is the direction along the first electrode 5, with respect to the colored charged magnetic particles 2. A plurality of magnetic members 10 to be added are juxtaposed in the in-plane direction of the electrode. Here, the magnetic member 10 can be disposed on the first substrate 3, the first electrode 5, the first insulating layer 7, or the inside thereof. The magnetic member 10 is disposed on the second substrate 4, the second electrode 6, the second insulating layer 8, or the inside of the second substrate 4, if the insulating liquid 1 and the colored charged magnetic particles 2 can be observed by an observer. can do.

ところで、このような構成の電気泳動表示素子は、絶縁性液体1中で着色帯電磁性粒子2を、第1電極5及び第2電極6間に電圧を印加することにより第1電極5及び第2電極6間を移動させることによって表示を行うものであり、例えば絶縁性液体1として、着色帯電磁性粒子2と異なった着色色素が溶解された絶縁性液体1を使用することによって、白黒表示等の2色表示を実現することができる。   By the way, in the electrophoretic display element having such a configuration, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in the insulating liquid 1 are applied with a voltage between the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 to apply the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6. The display is performed by moving between the electrodes 6. For example, as the insulating liquid 1, by using the insulating liquid 1 in which a coloring pigment different from the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is dissolved, monochrome display or the like can be performed. Two-color display can be realized.

また、磁性部材10の電極面内方向の大きさ(長さ)を段階的に変化させることにより、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して電極面内方向で段階的に異なった磁力を加えることができる。そして、このように着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して段階的に異なった磁力を加えることにより、電極間に電圧を印加し、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して段階的に加えられている磁力の最大値よりも小さい静電気力を働かせた場合、静電気力よりも小さい磁力を加えられている着色帯電磁性粒子2のみが電極間を泳動し、この結果、中間調の表示が可能となる。   Further, by changing the size (length) of the magnetic member 10 in the electrode surface direction in stages, different magnetic forces can be applied to the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in steps in the electrode surface direction. . Then, by applying different magnetic forces stepwise to the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in this way, a voltage is applied between the electrodes, and the maximum of the magnetic force applied stepwise to the colored charged magnetic particles 2. When an electrostatic force smaller than the value is applied, only the colored charged magnetic particles 2 to which a magnetic force smaller than the electrostatic force is applied migrate between the electrodes, and as a result, halftone display becomes possible.

つまり、本実施の形態においては、磁性部材10の電極面内方向の大きさを段階的に変化させることにより、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して電極面内方向で段階的に異なった磁力を加えると共に、電極間に、このような磁性部材10により加えられる磁力の最大値よりも小さい静電気力を加えることのできる電圧を印加することにより、静電気力よりも小さい磁力を加えられている着色帯電磁性粒子2のみを泳動させることができる。   In other words, in the present embodiment, by changing the size of the magnetic member 10 in the electrode in-plane direction, different magnetic forces are applied to the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in the electrode in-plane direction. At the same time, by applying a voltage that can apply an electrostatic force smaller than the maximum value of the magnetic force applied by the magnetic member 10 between the electrodes, the colored charged magnetism to which a magnetic force smaller than the electrostatic force is applied is applied. Only particle 2 can be migrated.

次に、このような構成の電気泳動表示素子の表示方法について説明する。なお、以下の説明において、着色帯電磁性粒子2と異なった色に着色された絶縁性液体1中の着色帯電磁性粒子2は、正に帯電しているとする。   Next, a display method of the electrophoretic display element having such a configuration will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in the insulating liquid 1 colored in a different color from the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are positively charged.

ここで、第2電極6を正極に、第1電極5を負極にして、着色帯電磁性粒子2に静電気力を働かせると、図2の(a)に示すように正電荷の着色帯電磁性粒子2は第1電極5上に集められ、着色帯電磁性粒子2は第1絶縁層7に付着する。このとき、観測者(第2基板4側)からは、着色帯電磁性粒子2と異なった色に着色された絶縁性液体1の色が観測される。   Here, when the second electrode 6 is used as a positive electrode and the first electrode 5 is used as a negative electrode and an electrostatic force is applied to the colored charged magnetic particles 2, as shown in FIG. 2A, positively charged colored charged magnetic particles 2. Are collected on the first electrode 5, and the colored charged magnetic particles 2 adhere to the first insulating layer 7. At this time, the color of the insulating liquid 1 colored in a different color from the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is observed from the observer (second substrate 4 side).

一方、図2の(a)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子2を第1絶縁層7上に付着させた状態で、第1電極5及び第2電極6に印加する電圧の極性を変えて、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して、第1絶縁層7上で着色帯電磁性粒子2と磁性部材10の間に働く磁力の最大値よりも大きな静電気力を働かせた場合、図2の(b)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子2は第2電極6側に移動し、第2絶縁層8が着色帯電磁性粒子2で覆われる。このとき、観測者(第2基板4側)からは、着色帯電磁性粒子2の色が観測される。   On the other hand, with the colored charged magnetic particles 2 attached on the first insulating layer 7 as shown in FIG. 2A, the polarity of the voltage applied to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 is changed, When an electrostatic force larger than the maximum value of the magnetic force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles 2 and the magnetic member 10 on the first insulating layer 7 is applied to the colored charged magnetic particles 2, FIG. As shown, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 move to the second electrode 6 side, and the second insulating layer 8 is covered with the colored charged magnetic particles 2. At this time, the color of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is observed from the observer (second substrate 4 side).

ここで、例えば着色帯電磁性粒子2の色を白色にし、絶縁性液体1の色を黒色とすれば、白黒表示が可能となる。また、複数の色相(例えば、イエロー、シアン、マゼンタ等)に着色した絶縁性液体1、或いは着色帯電磁性粒子2、或いは基板3,4上に新たにカラーフィルターを設けることによって、カラー表示も可能となる。   Here, for example, if the color of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is white and the color of the insulating liquid 1 is black, monochrome display is possible. Color display is also possible by newly providing a color filter on the insulating liquid 1 colored in a plurality of hues (for example, yellow, cyan, magenta, etc.), the colored charged magnetic particles 2, or the substrates 3 and 4. It becomes.

ところで、中間調を表示する場合には、例えば図2の(a)に示すように着色帯電磁性粒子2を第1絶縁層7上に付着させた状態で、第1電極5を正極に、第2電極6を負極にすると共に、第1電極5と第2電極6に加える電圧を、着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して段階的に加えられている磁力の最大値よりも小さい静電気力を働かせるような大きさにするようにしている。   By the way, when displaying a halftone, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first electrode 5 is used as the positive electrode, with the colored charged magnetic particles 2 attached on the first insulating layer 7, and the first electrode 5 as the positive electrode. The two electrodes 6 are made negative, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 is made to exert an electrostatic force smaller than the maximum value of the magnetic force applied stepwise to the colored charged magnetic particles 2. It is made to be a big size.

そして、このような大きさの電圧を第1電極5と第2電極6に印加した場合、静電気力よりも小さい磁力を加えられている磁性部材10の、電極面内方向の大きさが小さい両側部分に臨む着色帯電磁性粒子2のみが電極間を泳動し、第2電極6側に移動する。なお、静電気力よりも大きな磁力が加えられている磁性部材10の、電極面内方向の大きさが大きい中央部分に臨む着色帯電磁性粒子2は泳動しない。   When a voltage having such a magnitude is applied to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6, both sides of the magnetic member 10 to which a magnetic force smaller than the electrostatic force is applied have a small magnitude in the electrode plane direction. Only the colored charged magnetic particles 2 facing the portion migrate between the electrodes and move to the second electrode 6 side. In addition, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 facing the central portion of the magnetic member 10 to which a magnetic force larger than the electrostatic force is applied and having a large size in the electrode in-plane direction do not migrate.

この結果、図2の(c)に示すように、全ての着色帯電磁性粒子2が第1絶縁層7、或いは第2絶縁層8に付着する。そして、このように全ての着色帯電磁性粒子2を第1絶縁層7、或いは第2絶縁層8に付着させることにより、絶縁性液体1中に分散した着色帯電磁性粒子2をなくすことができ、この結果、明瞭で長期的に安定な中間調表示が可能となる。   As a result, as shown in FIG. 2C, all the colored charged magnetic particles 2 adhere to the first insulating layer 7 or the second insulating layer 8. And by attaching all the colored charged magnetic particles 2 to the first insulating layer 7 or the second insulating layer 8 in this way, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 dispersed in the insulating liquid 1 can be eliminated, As a result, clear and long-term stable halftone display is possible.

なお、本実施の形態においては、磁性部材10周辺で閉じた磁界を発生させるよう磁性部材10をパターニングしており、このように磁性部材10周辺で閉じた磁界を発生させることによって、電極面の法線方向で磁性部材10と着色帯電磁性粒子2の間に働く磁力を急峻に減衰させることができる。これにより、一旦第1絶縁層7を離れて泳動を始めた着色帯電磁性粒子2は、磁力の減衰によって加速され、第2絶縁層8側に移動するようになる。   In the present embodiment, the magnetic member 10 is patterned so as to generate a closed magnetic field around the magnetic member 10, and by generating a closed magnetic field around the magnetic member 10 in this way, The magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 10 and the colored charged magnetic particles 2 in the normal direction can be sharply attenuated. As a result, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 that have once moved away from the first insulating layer 7 are accelerated by the attenuation of the magnetic force and move to the second insulating layer 8 side.

また、このように磁力の減衰を急峻にすることにより、泳動中の着色帯電磁性粒子2が電極面内方向に対する磁力の影響を受けないようにすることができ、これにより着色帯電磁性粒子2の、画素内で最も磁力が強い部分への偏在を防ぐことができる。   Further, by steeply decreasing the magnetic force in this way, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 during migration can be prevented from being affected by the magnetic force in the in-plane direction of the electrode. , It is possible to prevent uneven distribution in a portion having the strongest magnetic force in the pixel.

一方、着色帯電磁性粒子2と磁性部材10との間に働く力の大きさは、磁性部材10が発生する磁界の勾配と、着色帯電磁性粒子2の磁化の大きさで決まるため、着色帯電磁性粒子2の加速効果は、着色帯電磁性粒子2が外部磁場非印加時に磁化がほぼ0である構成をとることによって増大する。さらに、着色帯電磁性粒子2に外部磁場非印加時に磁化がほぼ0である特徴を持たせることによって、着色帯電磁性粒子2が磁化を有することによる、泳動中の着色帯電磁性粒子2の凝集を防ぐことができる。   On the other hand, the magnitude of the force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles 2 and the magnetic member 10 is determined by the gradient of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic member 10 and the magnitude of the magnetization of the colored charged magnetic particles 2. The acceleration effect of the particles 2 is increased by adopting a configuration in which the colored charged magnetic particles 2 have a magnetization almost zero when no external magnetic field is applied. Further, by giving the colored charged magnetic particles 2 a characteristic that the magnetization is substantially zero when no external magnetic field is applied, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are prevented from aggregating during migration due to the colored charged magnetic particles 2 having magnetization. be able to.

つまり、着色帯電磁性粒子2に外部磁場非印加時に磁化がほぼ0である特徴を持たせることにより、電気泳動中の着色帯電磁性粒子2が、自己が磁化を持つことによって発生する磁力により凝集することを避けることができる。さらに、電気泳動中の磁界の減少によって磁化が減少することで、第1絶縁層7又は第2絶縁層8に付着している場合と、電気泳動している場合の磁力の差を大きくすることができ、これにより駆動電圧の増大を抑制することができると共に電気泳動速度を増大させることができる。   That is, by giving the colored charged magnetic particles 2 the characteristic that the magnetization is substantially zero when no external magnetic field is applied, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 during electrophoresis are aggregated by the magnetic force generated by their own magnetization. You can avoid that. Further, the magnetization decreases due to the reduction of the magnetic field during electrophoresis, thereby increasing the difference in magnetic force between the case where the magnet is attached to the first insulating layer 7 or the second insulating layer 8 and the case where the electrophoresis is performed. As a result, an increase in driving voltage can be suppressed and an electrophoresis speed can be increased.

次に、このような構成の電気泳動表示素子の製造方法を説明する。なお、以下の説明では、マトリクス配置した画素のうち、一画素にのみ注目し、その製造プロセスを、図3を用いて説明する。   Next, a method for manufacturing the electrophoretic display element having such a configuration will be described. In the following description, attention is paid to only one pixel among pixels arranged in a matrix, and the manufacturing process will be described with reference to FIG.

まず、図3の(a)に示すように、第1基板3上に導電性膜を成膜し、第1電極5とする。なお、第1基板3としては、ガラス、石英等の無機材料、或いはポリエチレンテレフタレート(PET)、ポリエーテルサルフォン(PES)、ポリカーボネート等のポリマー材料を使用することができる。   First, as shown in FIG. 3A, a conductive film is formed on the first substrate 3 to form the first electrode 5. As the first substrate 3, an inorganic material such as glass or quartz, or a polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), or polycarbonate can be used.

次に、図3の(b)に示すように、第1電極5上に磁性部材10を成膜すると共に、電極面内方向に段階的に変化した磁界を発生させることができるよう、磁性部材10の電極面内方向の長さが段階的に変化するようにパターニングする。なお、磁性部材10の材料としては、例えば、希土類―遷移金属アモルファス合金、貴金属―遷移金属合金など、或いは各種磁石材料を成膜する。   Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the magnetic member 10 is formed on the first electrode 5, and the magnetic member can be generated in a stepwise manner in the in-plane direction of the electrode. Patterning is performed so that the length in the in-plane direction of the electrode 10 changes stepwise. As the material of the magnetic member 10, for example, a rare earth-transition metal amorphous alloy, a noble metal-transition metal alloy, or various magnet materials are formed.

次に、図3の(c)に示すように、磁性部材10上に第1絶縁層7を形成する。なお、第1絶縁層7の材料としては、薄膜状でピンホールが形成しづらいものが良く、例えば、ポリイミド、PET、ポリメチルメタクリレート(PMMA)等を使用できる。   Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first insulating layer 7 is formed on the magnetic member 10. In addition, as a material of the 1st insulating layer 7, what is hard to form a pinhole in a thin film is good, For example, a polyimide, PET, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) etc. can be used.

次に、第1絶縁層7上に隔壁9を形成する。なお、隔壁9の材料としては、ポリマー樹脂等を使用する。また、隔壁9の形成にはどのような方法を用いても良く、例えば光感光性樹脂層を塗布した後、露光及びウエット現像を行う方法、或いは別に作製した隔壁を接着する方法等を用いることができる。   Next, a partition wall 9 is formed on the first insulating layer 7. In addition, as a material of the partition wall 9, a polymer resin or the like is used. In addition, any method may be used for forming the partition wall 9. For example, a method of performing exposure and wet development after applying a photosensitive resin layer, or a method of bonding a separately manufactured partition wall, or the like is used. Can do.

次に、図3の(d)に示す、第2電極6と第2絶縁層8とを備えた第2基板を別途、製造する。ここで、第2電極6は第2基板4上に導電性膜を成膜して形成し、第2絶縁層8を第2電極6上に形成している。   Next, the 2nd board | substrate provided with the 2nd electrode 6 and the 2nd insulating layer 8 shown to (d) of FIG. 3 is manufactured separately. Here, the second electrode 6 is formed by forming a conductive film on the second substrate 4, and the second insulating layer 8 is formed on the second electrode 6.

なお、第2基板4の材料としては、光透過性の高い材料、例えば、ガラス、石英等の無機材料、或いはポリエチレンテレフタレート(PET)、ポリエーテルサルフォン(PES)、ポリカーボネート等のポリマー材料を使用することができる。また、第2電極6の材料としては、光透過性の高い材料、例えば、ITO等を使用することができる。さらに、第2絶縁層8の材料としては、光透過性の高い材料で、且つピンホールが形成しづらいものが良く、例えば、ポリイミド、PET、ポリメチルメタクリレート(PMMA)等を使用できる。   In addition, as the material of the second substrate 4, a material having high optical transparency, for example, an inorganic material such as glass or quartz, or a polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), or polycarbonate is used. can do. Moreover, as a material of the 2nd electrode 6, a material with high light transmittance, for example, ITO etc., can be used. Further, the material of the second insulating layer 8 is preferably a material having high light transmittance and difficult to form pinholes. For example, polyimide, PET, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or the like can be used.

次に、隔壁9内に絶縁性液体1及び着色帯電磁性粒子2を充填する。また、必要に応じて、帯電制御材等を加える。なお、絶縁性液体1としては、シリコーンオイル等の絶縁性液体に染料を分散させた着色液体を用いる。また、着色帯電磁性粒子2としては、絶縁性液体1中で帯電しうる材料、例えばポリエチレン、ポリスチレン等の樹脂にマグネタイト、マグヘマイト等の磁性部材を内包させたものを使用する。さらに、必要に応じて磁性部材と一緒に顔料或いは染料を内包させた粒子を使用する。   Next, the partition wall 9 is filled with the insulating liquid 1 and the colored charged magnetic particles 2. Further, a charge control material or the like is added as necessary. The insulating liquid 1 is a colored liquid in which a dye is dispersed in an insulating liquid such as silicone oil. Further, as the charged charged magnetic particles 2, a material that can be charged in the insulating liquid 1, for example, a resin such as polyethylene or polystyrene in which a magnetic member such as magnetite or maghemite is encapsulated is used. Furthermore, particles containing a pigment or dye together with a magnetic member are used as necessary.

次に、第2絶縁層8と隔壁9との接合面に接着層を形成した後、第1基板3と第2基板4の位置合せを行い、第2絶縁層8と隔壁9を接触させ、熱或いはUV照射等により接着する。   Next, after forming an adhesive layer on the joint surface between the second insulating layer 8 and the partition wall 9, the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 are aligned, and the second insulating layer 8 and the partition wall 9 are brought into contact with each other. Bonding by heat or UV irradiation.

これに、電圧印加手段(図示せず)を設けることにより、図3の(d)に示すような電気泳動表示素子を備えた電気泳動表示装置を得る。以上の方法によって作製された電気泳動表示装置は、2値表示、カラー表示、さらに明瞭な中間調表示が可能である。   An electrophoretic display device having an electrophoretic display element as shown in FIG. 3D is obtained by providing a voltage applying means (not shown). The electrophoretic display device manufactured by the above method can perform binary display, color display, and clear halftone display.

このように、第2電極6に沿って段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるよう磁性部材10の電極面内方向の大きさを段階的に変化させることにより、第1基板側に集められ、電極間5,6に生じる電界による静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子のうち、着色帯電磁性粒子2と磁性部材10の間に働く磁力よりも大きい静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子10を第2基板側に移動させることができる。これにより、着色帯電磁性粒子2が絶縁性液体中で分散することがなくなり、長期的に安定した中間調表示が可能となる。   In this way, the size of the magnetic member 10 in the in-plane direction of the magnetic member 10 is changed stepwise so as to generate different magnetic fields along the second electrode 6. Among the colored charged magnetic particles subjected to the electrostatic force due to the electric field generated between 5 and 6, the colored charged magnetic particles 10 receiving the electrostatic force larger than the magnetic force acting between the colored charged magnetic particle 2 and the magnetic member 10 are secondly used. It can be moved to the substrate side. As a result, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are not dispersed in the insulating liquid, and a stable halftone display is possible over a long period of time.

なお、これまでの説明においては、電極面内方向に段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるため、並設された磁性部材10の電極面内方向の大きさ(長さ)を段階的に変化させるようにしたが、これ以外にも、例えば、連続して形成された、あるいは図4に示すように並設された磁性部材10の電極面法線方向の大きさ(長さ)を段階的に変化させる、或いは図5に示すように並設された磁性部材10の電極面内方向の長さは変えず、間隔を電極面内方向で段階的に変化させるようにしても良い。さらに、磁性部材10として、電極面内に複数種類の異なった磁気特性を有する磁性部材10を配置してもよい。   In the above description, in order to generate different magnetic fields stepwise in the electrode surface direction, the size (length) of the parallel magnetic members 10 in the electrode surface direction is changed stepwise. However, in addition to this, for example, the size (length) in the normal direction of the electrode surface of the magnetic members 10 formed continuously or arranged side by side as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the interval may be changed stepwise in the electrode in-plane direction without changing the length of the magnetic members 10 arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. Further, as the magnetic member 10, a plurality of types of magnetic members 10 having different magnetic characteristics may be disposed in the electrode surface.

次に、本発明の第2の実施の形態について説明する。   Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

図6は、本実施の形態に係る電気泳動型表示素子の概略構成を示す図であり、図6に示すように、この電気泳動表示素子は、隔壁58の内部に第2電極56を設置すると共に、絶縁性液体51として透明な液体を用い、着色帯電磁性粒子52を、画素底面に設置された第1電極55と、隔壁58の内部に設置された第2電極56との間に電圧を印加することにより移動させ、表示を行うものである。なお、表示は着色帯電磁性粒子52の色と、着色帯電磁性粒子52とは異なった色に着色された絶縁層57、或いは第1電極55、或いは第1基板53の色によって行われる。   FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrophoretic display element according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the electrophoretic display element has a second electrode 56 provided inside a partition wall 58. In addition, a transparent liquid is used as the insulating liquid 51, and the colored charged magnetic particles 52 are applied with a voltage between the first electrode 55 installed on the bottom surface of the pixel and the second electrode 56 installed inside the partition wall 58. The display is moved by application to display. The display is performed by the color of the colored charged magnetic particles 52 and the color of the insulating layer 57, the first electrode 55, or the first substrate 53 colored in a different color from the colored charged magnetic particles 52.

さらに、第1電極面上には磁性部材59が配置されており、このように磁性部材59を配置することにより、着色帯電磁性粒子52は、磁性部材59との間に働く磁力に相当するしきい値を有することになる。   Further, the magnetic member 59 is disposed on the first electrode surface. By arranging the magnetic member 59 in this way, the colored charged magnetic particles 52 correspond to the magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 59 and the magnetic member 59. Will have a threshold.

ここで、このような構成においては、第1電極55の面内方向の異なった場所で電界が異なるため、第1電極55面内方向の異なった場所での着色帯電磁性粒子52の駆動電圧は異なる。   Here, in such a configuration, since the electric field is different at different locations in the in-plane direction of the first electrode 55, the driving voltage of the colored charged magnetic particles 52 at different locations in the in-plane direction of the first electrode 55 is Different.

そして、この電界分布を考慮して、磁性部材59と着色帯電磁性粒子52との間に働く磁力を第1電極55面内方向で段階的に変化させることによって、第1電極55面内方向で異なった場所の着色帯電磁性粒子52に適宜必要なしきい値を付与することができ、このしきい値を超える静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子52を隔壁58側に泳動させることができる。これにより、着色帯電磁性粒子2が絶縁性液体中で分散することがなくなり、長期的に安定した中間調表示が可能となる。   In consideration of this electric field distribution, the magnetic force acting between the magnetic member 59 and the colored charged magnetic particles 52 is changed stepwise in the in-plane direction of the first electrode 55, thereby causing the in-plane direction of the first electrode 55. A necessary threshold value can be appropriately given to the colored charged magnetic particles 52 in different places, and the colored charged magnetic particles 52 that have received an electrostatic force exceeding the threshold value can be migrated to the partition wall 58 side. As a result, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are not dispersed in the insulating liquid, and a stable halftone display is possible over a long period of time.

次に、本発明の実施例について説明する。   Next, examples of the present invention will be described.

まず、本実施例では、基板上にマトリクス配置した画素を有する電気泳動型表示装置として、150mm×150mmの平面寸法の第1基板上に単一画素を縦横1000行×1000列にマトリクス配置した装置を作製する。なお、以下の説明において、マトリクス配置した画素のうち、平面寸法が100μm×100μmの一画素の製造プロセスを説明する。   First, in this embodiment, as an electrophoretic display device having pixels arranged in a matrix on a substrate, a device in which single pixels are arranged in a matrix of 1000 rows and 1000 columns on a first substrate having a planar size of 150 mm × 150 mm. Is made. In the following description, a manufacturing process of one pixel having a planar dimension of 100 μm × 100 μm among pixels arranged in a matrix will be described.

まず、第1基板3であるガラス基板上に導電性膜としてAl膜を成膜し、パターニングすることによって第1電極5とする(図3の(a)参照)。次に、その表面に磁性部材10として膜厚200nmの強磁性を有するTbFeCoを成膜し、リフトオフ法を用いて、電極面内方向で着色帯電磁性粒子2の直径の0.1〜1倍まで段階的に異なった大きさを持たせてパターニングする(図3の(b)参照)。   First, an Al film is formed as a conductive film on a glass substrate, which is the first substrate 3, and patterned to form the first electrode 5 (see FIG. 3A). Next, a TbFeCo film having a film thickness of 200 nm is formed as a magnetic member 10 on the surface, and the diameter of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is increased to 0.1 to 1 times in the in-plane direction of the electrode using a lift-off method. Patterning is performed with different sizes in stages (see FIG. 3B).

次に、磁性部材10上に第1絶縁層7としてアクリル樹脂材(JSR製Optmer)をスピンコート法により塗布し、この後、隔壁9を形成する。なお、この隔壁9は感光性エポキシ樹脂からなる厚膜加工レジスト(東京応化工業製PMER N−CA2000PMT−1)をスピンコート塗布した後、フォトリソグラフィーを行うことによって高さ20μm、幅5μmの隔壁9を形成する(図3の(c)参照)。   Next, an acrylic resin material (Opter made by JSR) is applied as a first insulating layer 7 on the magnetic member 10 by a spin coating method, and then the partition walls 9 are formed. The partition wall 9 is spin-coated with a thick film processing resist (Tokyo Ohka Kogyo PMER N-CA2000PMT-1) made of a photosensitive epoxy resin, and then subjected to photolithography to form a partition wall 9 having a height of 20 μm and a width of 5 μm. (See FIG. 3C).

次に、外部磁場を印加してTbFeCoに電極面法線方向の着磁を施す。この後、第2基板4であるガラス基板上にITOを成膜し、第2電極6とする。さらに、その表面に第2絶縁層8としてアクリル樹脂(JSR製Optmer)をスピンコート法により塗布する(図3の(d)参照)。   Next, an external magnetic field is applied to magnetize TbFeCo in the normal direction of the electrode surface. Thereafter, an ITO film is formed on the glass substrate as the second substrate 4 to form the second electrode 6. Further, an acrylic resin (Opter made by JSR) is applied as a second insulating layer 8 to the surface by a spin coating method (see FIG. 3D).

次に、第2絶縁層8と隔壁9との接合面にUV硬化性の接着層を形成した後、隔壁9と第1絶縁層7とに囲まれた領域に絶縁性液体1及び着色帯電磁性粒子2を充填する。ここで、絶縁性液体1としては、シリコーンオイル中にアントラキノン系の黒色染料を分散させたものを使用し、着色帯電磁性粒子2としては、マグネタイト微粒子、及び酸化チタンの白色顔料粉末を内包させたポリスチレン粒子で、粒子径が5μm程度の粒子を使用する。なお、使用した着色帯電磁性粒子2は純粋な酸化チタンの色に近い白色である。   Next, after a UV curable adhesive layer is formed on the bonding surface between the second insulating layer 8 and the partition wall 9, the insulating liquid 1 and the colored charged magnetism are formed in a region surrounded by the partition wall 9 and the first insulating layer 7. Fill particles 2. Here, as the insulating liquid 1, an anthraquinone-based black dye dispersed in silicone oil is used, and as the colored charged magnetic particles 2, magnetite fine particles and titanium oxide white pigment powder are included. Polystyrene particles having a particle diameter of about 5 μm are used. The colored charged magnetic particles 2 used have a white color close to that of pure titanium oxide.

次に、第2絶縁層8と隔壁9の接着位置を合わせ、UV照射によって第2絶縁層8と隔壁9を貼り合せる(図3の(e)参照)。   Next, the bonding position of the second insulating layer 8 and the partition wall 9 is aligned, and the second insulating layer 8 and the partition wall 9 are bonded by UV irradiation (see FIG. 3E).

次に、このようにして製造した電気泳動型表示装置を用いて表示を行う。なお、本実施例で用いた白色の着色帯電磁性粒子2は、絶縁性液体1中で正に帯電していたため、電圧印加により負の電極へ移動する。   Next, display is performed using the electrophoretic display device thus manufactured. In addition, since the white colored charged magnetic particles 2 used in this example were positively charged in the insulating liquid 1, they move to the negative electrode when a voltage is applied.

このため、例えば第2電極6を0Vとし、第1電極5を負極(−5V)とすると、正電荷の着色帯電磁性粒子2が第2絶縁層8を離れて第1絶縁層7側へ移動し、第1絶縁層7に分散して付着する(図2の(a)参照)。したがって観測者(第2基板4側)から見た表示面は絶縁性液体1の色である黒表示となる。   Therefore, for example, when the second electrode 6 is set to 0 V and the first electrode 5 is set to the negative electrode (−5 V), the positively charged colored charged magnetic particles 2 leave the second insulating layer 8 and move to the first insulating layer 7 side. Then, they are dispersed and attached to the first insulating layer 7 (see FIG. 2A). Therefore, the display surface viewed from the observer (the second substrate 4 side) is a black display that is the color of the insulating liquid 1.

一方、電極に印加する電圧の極性を変えて、第2電極6を0Vとすると共に第1電極5を正極(+10V)とし、正電荷の着色帯電磁性粒子2に対して、電極面内で段階的に変化する磁力の最大値よりも大きな静電気力を働かせた場合、全ての着色帯電磁性粒子2が静電気力によって第1絶縁層7を離れて第2絶縁層8側へ移動し、第2絶縁層8に分散して付着し、第2絶縁層8が着色帯電磁性粒子2で覆われる(図2の(b)参照)。このため、観測者(第2基板4側)から見た表示面は白表示となる。   On the other hand, by changing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode, the second electrode 6 is set to 0 V and the first electrode 5 is set to the positive electrode (+10 V), and the step is performed in the electrode plane with respect to the positively charged colored charged magnetic particles 2. When an electrostatic force larger than the maximum value of the magnetic force that changes is applied, all the colored charged magnetic particles 2 move away from the first insulating layer 7 to the second insulating layer 8 side by the electrostatic force, and the second insulation The second insulating layer 8 is dispersed and adhered to the layer 8 and is covered with the colored charged magnetic particles 2 (see FIG. 2B). For this reason, the display surface viewed from the observer (second substrate 4 side) is displayed in white.

また、着色帯電磁性粒子2を第1絶縁層7上に分散させた後、第2電極6を0Vとし、第1電極5を正極(+8V)とすると、およそ半数の着色帯電磁性粒子2が静電気力によって第1絶縁層7を離れて第2絶縁層8へ移動し、第2絶縁層8に分散して付着し、第2絶縁層8のおよそ半分が着色帯電磁性粒子2で覆われる(図2の(c)参照)。このため、観測者(第2基板4側)から見た表示面は中間調である灰色表示となる。   Further, after the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are dispersed on the first insulating layer 7, when the second electrode 6 is set to 0V and the first electrode 5 is set to the positive electrode (+ 8V), approximately half of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are electrostatically charged. The first insulating layer 7 is moved by force to the second insulating layer 8 and dispersed and attached to the second insulating layer 8, and approximately half of the second insulating layer 8 is covered with the colored charged magnetic particles 2 (see FIG. 2 (c)). For this reason, the display surface viewed from the observer (second substrate 4 side) is displayed in gray, which is a halftone.

ここで、このとき着色帯電磁性粒子2は、泳動中に電極面内方向の磁力の影響を受けておらず、第2絶縁層8の着色帯電磁性粒子2で覆われた部分は、磁性部材10と着色帯電磁性粒子2の間に働く力が電極面内方向に段階的に変化した磁力の最大値の半分以下である部分の真上部分となる。なお、全ての表示状態において、応答速度は300ms以下である。   At this time, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are not affected by the magnetic force in the in-plane direction during migration, and the portion covered with the colored charged magnetic particles 2 of the second insulating layer 8 is the magnetic member 10. And the colored charged magnetic particles 2 are directly above the portion where the force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is less than half of the maximum value of the magnetic force gradually changing in the in-plane direction of the electrode. In all display states, the response speed is 300 ms or less.

さらに、このような中間調表示後に電圧印加を止めて1時間放置した後も、着色帯電磁性粒子2の沈降等による表示状態の変化は観測されない。また、着色帯電磁性粒子2が外部磁場非印加時に有する磁化は飽和磁化の10%以下であるため、泳動中の着色帯電磁性粒子2が凝集することはなく、良好な泳動が観測される。   Further, even after the application of voltage is stopped after such halftone display and left for 1 hour, no change in display state due to sedimentation of the colored charged magnetic particles 2 is observed. Further, since the colored charged magnetic particles 2 have a magnetization of 10% or less of the saturation magnetization when no external magnetic field is applied, the colored charged magnetic particles 2 during migration do not aggregate and good migration is observed.

本発明の第1の実施の形態に係る粒子移動型表示素子の一例である電気泳動表示素子の概略構成を示す図。1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrophoretic display element which is an example of a particle movement type display element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 上記電気泳動表示素子の表示動作を説明する図。FIG. 6 illustrates a display operation of the electrophoretic display element. 上記電気泳動表示素子の製造方法を示す図。The figure which shows the manufacturing method of the said electrophoretic display element. 上記電気泳動表示素子の他の構成を示す図。The figure which shows the other structure of the said electrophoretic display element. 上記電気泳動表示素子の他の構成を示す図。The figure which shows the other structure of the said electrophoretic display element. 本発明の第2の実施の形態に係る電気泳動表示素子の概略構成を示す図。The figure which shows schematic structure of the electrophoretic display element which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 従来の電気泳動型表示素子の表示動作を説明する図。The figure explaining the display operation of the conventional electrophoretic display element.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1,51 絶縁性液体
2,52 着色帯電磁性粒子
3,53 第1基板
4,54 第2基板
5,55 第1電極
6,56 第2電極
7,57 第1絶縁層
8 第2絶縁層
9,58 隔壁
10,59 磁性部材
1, 51 Insulating liquid 2, 52 Colored charged magnetic particles 3, 53 First substrate 4, 54 Second substrate 5, 55 First electrode 6, 56 Second electrode 7, 57 First insulating layer 8 Second insulating layer 9 , 58 Bulkhead 10,59 Magnetic member

Claims (9)

間隙を設けて配置された第1基板及び第2基板の間に着色帯電磁性粒子を配し、前記着色帯電磁性粒子を、前記間隙に面して配置された第1電極及び第2電極の間に生じる電界により間隙内を移動させて画像を表示させる粒子移動型表示素子において、
前記第1基板及び第2基板の一方の基板側に、前記着色帯電磁性粒子の前記第1基板及び第2基板の他方の基板側への移動を磁力により規制し、かつ前記第1電極及び第2電極のうちの一方の基板側の電極に沿って段階的に異なった磁界を発生させるように構成された磁性部材を設け、
前記一方の基板側に集められ、前記第1電極及び第2電極の間に生じる電界による静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子のうち、前記着色帯電磁性粒子と前記磁性部材の間に働く磁力よりも大きい静電気力を受けた着色帯電磁性粒子を前記他方の基板側に移動させることを特徴とする粒子移動型表示素子。
Colored charged magnetic particles are arranged between a first substrate and a second substrate arranged with a gap, and the colored charged magnetic particles are arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode arranged to face the gap. In a particle movement type display element that displays an image by moving in a gap by an electric field generated in
The movement of the colored charged magnetic particles to the other substrate side of the first substrate and the second substrate is regulated by a magnetic force on one substrate side of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first electrode and the second substrate Providing a magnetic member configured to generate different magnetic fields stepwise along an electrode on one substrate side of the two electrodes;
Of the colored charged magnetic particles collected on the one substrate side and subjected to electrostatic force due to the electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, the magnetic force acting between the colored charged magnetic particles and the magnetic member A particle movement type display element, characterized in that colored charged magnetic particles receiving a large electrostatic force are moved to the other substrate side.
前記磁性部材は、前記一方の基板側の電極に沿う方向に複数並設され、かつ前記一方の基板側の電極に沿う方向の長さが段階的に異なるように形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   A plurality of the magnetic members are juxtaposed in a direction along the electrode on the one substrate side, and are formed so that the lengths in the direction along the electrode on the one substrate side are stepwise different. The particle movement type display element according to claim 1. 前記磁性部材は、前記一方の基板側の電極に沿う方向に複数並設され、かつ前記一方の基板側の電極に沿う方向の間隔が段階的に異なるように形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   A plurality of the magnetic members are juxtaposed in a direction along the electrode on the one substrate side, and are formed such that intervals in the direction along the electrode on the one substrate side are stepwise different. The particle movement type display element according to claim 1. 前記磁性部材は、前記一方の基板側の電極の法線方向の長さが段階的に異なるように形成されていることを特徴とする請求項1記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   2. The particle movement type display element according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is formed such that the length in the normal direction of the electrode on the one substrate side is stepwise different. 前記磁性部材は、前記一方の基板側の電極に沿う方向で段階的に異なった磁気特性を有することを特徴とする請求項1記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   2. The particle movement type display element according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic member has magnetic characteristics that differ stepwise in a direction along the electrode on the one substrate side. 前記着色帯電磁性粒子が外部磁場非印加時には磁化がほぼ0であることを特徴とする請求項1乃至5の何れか1項に記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   6. The particle movement type display element according to claim 1, wherein the colored charged magnetic particles have substantially zero magnetization when no external magnetic field is applied. 前記第1基板及び第2基板の間隙に絶縁性液体が充填され、前記着色帯電磁性粒子は前記絶縁性液体中に分散されていることを特徴とする請求項1乃至6の何れか1項に記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   The gap between the first substrate and the second substrate is filled with an insulating liquid, and the colored charged magnetic particles are dispersed in the insulating liquid. The particle movement type display element of description. 前記第1基板及び第2基板の間隙を保持する隔壁を設け、前記隔壁に前記第1電極及び第2電極のうちの他の電極を設けたことを特徴とする請求項1乃至7の何れか1項に記載の粒子移動型表示素子。   8. A partition wall for holding a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate is provided, and another electrode of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided on the partition wall. 2. A particle movement type display element according to item 1. 前記請求項1乃至8の何れか1項に記載の粒子移動型表示素子を備えたことを特徴とする粒子移動型表示装置。
A particle movement type display device comprising the particle movement type display element according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
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