JP6331167B2 - Liquid crystal cell - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal cell including an electrode portion to which a conductive portion such as an FPC is connected and a polarizing element (polarizing plate).

  There is known a liquid crystal cell that includes a polarizing plate, an electrode, and a liquid crystal layer, and that can change the light transmittance by adjusting the orientation of the liquid crystal layer. In such a liquid crystal cell, the light transmittance is controlled by adjusting the voltage applied between the electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer through a conductive part such as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

  Controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal layer by adjusting the voltage applied between the electrodes is widely performed in an optical device including “a liquid crystal layer, an electrode and a polarizing plate”. For example, a liquid crystal display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 The same control method is also adopted in FIG.

JP 2002-214626 A

  As described above, the voltage adjustment between the electrodes in the liquid crystal cell is generally performed via a conductive portion such as an FPC. FPCs are very thin and light, and have excellent flexibility and bending characteristics. Therefore, they can be arranged in a shape according to the installation space, and not only large electronic devices but also small electronic devices and thin electronic devices. It is also used in equipment. When the FPC is applied to a sheet-like liquid crystal cell configured by stacking a plurality of layers, the FPC and the electrode are physically and electrically connected through a connection portion such as a silver paste.

  By the way, in the field of liquid crystal panels having a planar structure, a glass substrate having excellent rigidity is often used as a substrate for supporting the electrodes of the liquid crystal cell. In the field of optical devices and the like, a resin base material having a high flexibility may be used. The resin base material can be deformed into various shapes and is deformed together with other layers such as a polarizing plate.

  On the other hand, the size of a polarizing plate that is often made by stretching a polymer film is likely to vary depending on the use situation. For example, in a high-temperature environment, a low-temperature environment, or a high-humidity environment, the polarizing plate may change in units of millimeters as compared with the case where it is used at a normal temperature and humidity. May behave differently than members. As described above, when the size of the polarizing plate varies depending on the use state, stress (particularly shear stress) acts on the substrate and the electrode fixed directly or indirectly to the polarizing plate. In particular, when a low-rigidity resin base material is used, the dimensional change of the polarizing plate greatly affects the electrode through the resin base material.

  Thus, although the dimensional change of the polarizing plate also affects the base material and the electrode, the influence of the dimensional change of the polarizing plate is hardly exerted on the FPC connected to the electrode through a connecting portion such as a silver paste. Therefore, when the size of the polarizing plate changes, the relative positional relationship changes between the FPC and the electrode, an unintended force acts on the connection portion, and the electrode is peeled off from the FPC. Connection failure may occur.

  For example, in the liquid crystal display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a connecting portion with a scanning line driving circuit and a signal line driving circuit is provided immediately below the polarizing plate, but the size of the polarizing plate changes depending on the use environment. Then, an unexpected force is applied to the connection portion, and an electrical connection failure to the scanning line driving circuit and the signal line driving circuit may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a liquid crystal cell capable of maintaining an electrical connection between a conductive portion such as an FPC and an electrode portion even when the size of a polarizing element changes. The purpose is to provide.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a first polarizing element and a second polarizing element, and a first electrode base layer and a second polarizing element that are disposed on the first polarizing element side between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element. A second electrode substrate layer disposed on the element side, each having a resin substrate and an electrode portion fixed to the resin substrate; and a first electrode substrate layer and a second electrode substrate layer The first alignment film disposed on the first polarizing element side and the second alignment film disposed on the second polarizing element side between the first electrode substrate layer and the second electrode substrate layer, and the first A liquid crystal layer disposed between the alignment film and the second alignment film, and a conductive portion disposed between the first electrode substrate layer and the second electrode substrate layer, the first electrode substrate layer A conductive portion having a first connection portion electrically connected to the electrode portion of the second electrode and a second connection portion electrically connected to the electrode portion of the second electrode base layer. For example, the first connecting portion is a liquid crystal cell that is not covered by the first polarizing element.

  The 1st connection part does not need to be covered with the 2nd polarizing element.

  The 2nd connection part does not need to be covered with the 1st polarizing element and the 2nd polarizing element.

  The position of the electrode part of the first electrode base material layer that is electrically connected to the first connection part is opposite to the position of the electrode part of the second electrode base material layer that is electrically connected to the second connection part. May be.

  The 1st connection part and 2nd connection part of an electroconductive part may be comprised integrally.

  The liquid crystal cell further includes a seal portion disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the conductive portion between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, and at least a part of the seal portion includes the first polarizing element and the second alignment film. At least one of the two polarizing elements may not be covered.

  The liquid crystal cell further includes a seal portion disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the conductive portion between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, and the seal portion may be disposed apart from the conductive portion. Good.

  According to the present invention, since the first connecting portion is not covered with the first polarizing element, the first connecting portion is not easily affected by the dimensional change of the first polarizing element, and the dimension of the first polarizing element is changed. In addition, it is possible to maintain an electrical connection between the conductive portion such as the FPC and the electrode portion of the first electrode base material layer.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a layer structure of a liquid crystal cell. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a specific configuration of each layer illustrated in FIG. 1, (a) illustrates a specific configuration example of the first polarizing element, and (b) illustrates a first electrode base material layer. (C) shows a specific configuration example of the first alignment film, the liquid crystal layer and the second alignment film, and (d) shows a specific configuration example of the second electrode substrate layer. (E) shows a specific configuration example of the second polarizing element. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the liquid crystal cell of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the liquid crystal cell according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell along the cross-sectional line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell along the cross-sectional line XII-XII in FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell along the cross-sectional line XIII-XIII in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing attached to the present specification, for convenience of illustration and understanding, the scale and vertical / horizontal dimension ratio of each element are appropriately changed and exaggerated as necessary from the actual ones. . Accordingly, although dimensions, size ratios, and the like do not necessarily match between the drawings, those skilled in the art can fully understand each element of each drawing in consideration of the description of the present specification.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the layer structure of the liquid crystal cell 10. FIG. 1 shows only a part near the center of the liquid crystal cell 10.

  The liquid crystal cell 10 of this example includes a layered first polarizing element 11, a first resin base material 13, a first electrode unit 15, a first alignment film 17, a liquid crystal layer 19, a second alignment film 18, A two-electrode portion 16, a second resin base material 14, and a second polarizing element 12 are provided.

  Between the 1st polarizing element 11 and the 2nd polarizing element 12, the 1st electrode base material layer 21 arrange | positioned at the 1st polarizing element 11 side, and the 2nd electrode group arrange | positioned at the 2nd polarizing element 12 side. A material layer 22 is provided. The first electrode base material layer 21 includes a first resin base material 13 and a first electrode portion 15 that is fixed to the first resin base material 13. The second electrode base material layer 22 includes a second resin base material 14 and a second electrode portion 16 fixed to the second resin base material 14.

The first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16 are formed as transparent electrodes by various materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and are conductive portions (reference numerals in FIG. (See “43”) and a voltage is applied.
The arrangement | positioning aspect of the 1st electrode part 15 and the 2nd electrode part 16 is not specifically limited, An electrode may be arrange | positioned only by the predetermined location by patterning formation, and an electrode may be arrange | positioned at solid form. The electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer 19 disposed between the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16 changes according to the voltage applied to the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16, and the liquid crystal layer The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules constituting 19 is adjusted.

Between the 1st electrode base material layer 21 and the 2nd electrode base material layer 22, the 1st alignment film 17 arrange | positioned at the 1st polarizing element 11 side, and the 2nd arrange | positioned at the 2nd polarizing element 12 side. An alignment film 18 is provided.
The manufacturing method of the 1st alignment film 17 and the 2nd alignment film 18 is not specifically limited, The 1st alignment film 17 and the 2nd alignment film 18 which have liquid crystal aligning ability can be made with arbitrary methods. For example, the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 may be formed by performing a rubbing process on a resin layer such as polyimide, or the polymer film is irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet rays to increase the polarization direction. The first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 may be formed based on a photo-alignment method in which molecular chains are selectively reacted. The arrangement | positioning aspect of the 1st alignment film 17 and the 2nd alignment film 18 is not specifically limited, An alignment film may be arrange | positioned only by the predetermined location by patterning formation, and an alignment film may be arrange | positioned at solid form.

  The first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 are provided integrally with the first electrode substrate layer 21 and the second electrode substrate layer 22, respectively. The first alignment film 17 is the first alignment layer 17 of the first electrode substrate layer 21. The second alignment film 18 is fixedly provided with respect to the second electrode part 16 of the second electrode base material layer 22. In the following description, the first electrode substrate layer 21 (the first resin substrate 13 and the first electrode portion 15) and the first alignment film 17 are collectively referred to as a first electrode substrate alignment layer 23, and the second electrode The base material layer 22 (second resin base material 14 and second electrode portion 16) and the second alignment film 18 are collectively referred to as a second electrode base material alignment layer 24.

  A liquid crystal layer 19 is disposed between the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18. The driving method of the liquid crystal layer 19 is not particularly limited. Typically, a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method, or an application method of these methods is known. Yes.

  2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a specific configuration of each layer shown in FIG. 1, in which (a) shows a specific configuration example of the first polarizing element 11, and (b) shows a first electrode substrate. A specific configuration example of the layer 21 is shown, (c) shows a specific configuration example of the first alignment film 17, the liquid crystal layer 19 and the second alignment film 18, and (d) shows the second electrode substrate layer 22. (E) shows a specific configuration example of the second polarizing element 12.

  The 1st polarizing element 11 has the polarizing layer 31, and the adhesion layer 32 arrange | positioned between the said polarizing layer 31 and the 1st electrode base material layer 21 (refer Fig.2 (a)). The 2nd polarizing element 12 has the polarizing layer 31, and the adhesion layer 32 arrange | positioned between the said polarizing layer 31 and the 2nd electrode base material layer 22 (refer FIG.2 (e)). The polarizing layer 31 is made of a member that performs a desired polarizing function, and is typically made by stretching PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) doped with an iodine compound. In general, when the polarizing layer 31 is formed by stretching, the absorption axis of the polarizing layer 31 is determined according to the stretching direction, and the polarizing layers 31 stretched in the same direction have absorption axes in the same direction. As an arrangement mode of the polarizing layers 31 provided in pairs in the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, the absorption axis of the polarizing layer 31 of the first polarizing element 11 and the polarizing layer 31 of the second polarizing element 12 are arranged. An aspect called “parallel Nicol” in which the absorption axes are parallel to each other and “cross” in which the absorption axis of the polarizing layer 31 of the first polarizing element 11 and the absorption axis of the polarizing layer 31 of the second polarizing element 12 are perpendicular to each other. There is a mode called “Nicol”.

Generally, the directionality of the dimensional change of a polarizing plate accompanying an environmental change (for example, temperature change or humidity change) changes according to the extending | stretching direction of a polarizing plate. For example, the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 that are arranged so that the extending directions of the polarizing layer 31 are the same direction (that is, the absorption axes are the same direction (parallel)) are the temperature and humidity. There is a tendency for the dimensions to change in the same direction as.
In this case, regarding the influence on the member disposed between the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, “the influence caused by the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11” and “the dimensional change of the second polarizing element 12”. Are mutually offsetting. As a result, the “overall influence on the member disposed between the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12” due to the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 is reduced. On the other hand, the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 are arranged so that the extending directions (absorption axis directions) of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 (particularly the polarizing layer 31) are different from each other. When the temperature and humidity change, the dimensions change in a discrete direction, and the direction of stress acting on the member disposed between the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 becomes complicated.

  Therefore, even if the dimension of the first polarizing element 11 obtained by “a configuration in which at least the first connecting portion 41 is not covered with the first polarizing element 11” described later is changed, the conductive portion and the electrode portion (especially the first electrode With regard to the operational effect that “the electrical connection between the first polarizing element 11 and the absorption axis of the second polarizing element 12 is non-parallel”, the action and effect of “the electrical connection between the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 can be maintained”. In particular, it is particularly useful when the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 are arranged in a crossed Nicol state.

  On the other hand, the adhesive layer 32 is the same as the polarizing layer 31 of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, respectively, the first electrode base layer 21 and the second electrode base layer 22 (particularly the first resin base 13 and the second resin base 13). It plays the role of affixing to the resin substrate 14). The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 32 can be formed of any pressure-sensitive adhesive material that can transmit visible light. For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 32 is formed of an OCA film (Optical Clear Adhesive Film). The OCA film is composed of a transparent adhesive sheet, and can be composed of only an adhesive having a substantially constant film thickness without including a base material. For example, the OCA film is composed of an acrylic adhesive having excellent transparency. Such an OCA film is manufactured by sandwiching a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a sheet (separator (peeling material)) having excellent releasability, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is obtained by cutting out a laminate of the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the separator into a desired shape and removing the separator. 32 can be used.

  Each of the first resin base material 13 of the first electrode base material layer 21 and the second resin base material 14 of the second electrode base material layer 22 is disposed between a pair of hard coat layers 33 and these hard coat layers 33. And a resin film 34 (see FIGS. 2B and 2D). Each hard coat layer 33 plays a role of protecting the adjacent resin film 34 and can be made of any material that can transmit visible light, and is made of, for example, TAC (Triacetylcellulose) or acrylic, You may affix on the resin film 34 through an adhesion layer. Alternatively, a cured film containing fine particles (for example, titanium dioxide) may be formed on the surface of the resin film 34 using, for example, a silicone-based ultraviolet curable resin, and the cured film may function as the hard coat layer 33. Note that the hard coat layer 33 formed at a plurality of locations of the first resin base material 13 and the second resin base material 14 may be made of different materials depending on the position, or may be made of the same material.

  In the space between the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 filled with the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 19, a plurality of spacers 35 are arranged apart from each other (FIG. 2C). reference). The plurality of spacers 35 support the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18, determine the distance between the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18, and maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 19 at a desired thickness. To play a role. The specific shape of each spacer 35 is not particularly limited, and typically, a columnar spacer 35 (see FIG. 2C) or a spherical spacer 35 is used.

  The columnar spacers 35 shown in FIG. 2C are produced on the second electrode portion 16 (second electrode substrate layer 22) based on the photolithography technique, and each spacer 35 penetrates the second alignment film 18. The first alignment film 17 is supported via the alignment film material. That is, by applying a resist on the second electrode portion 16 and solidifying it, exposing the resist through a mask and developing the exposed resist, a columnar spacer 35 is formed at a desired position on the second electrode portion 16. It is formed. Then, by applying an alignment film material such as polyimide on the surface of the spacer 35 and the second electrode portion 16, the second alignment film 18 is formed on the second electrode portion 16, and each spacer 35 is formed of the alignment film material. Is covered. When the spherical spacer 35 is used, a large number of pre-made spherical spacers 35 are formed on the surface of one of the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 (for example, the second alignment film 18). Be sprayed.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described above is merely an example, and the liquid crystal cell 10 may have another configuration, and a functional member corresponding to the use (application target) of the liquid crystal cell 10 is required as necessary. Can be provided. Such a functional member may be provided between the above-described layers constituting the liquid crystal cell 10 or may be provided outside the above-described layers constituting the liquid crystal cell 10. For example, a retardation compensation film is disposed “between the first polarizing element 11 and the first electrode base layer 21” and / or “between the second polarizing element 12 and the second electrode base layer 22”, The retardation compensation film reduces retardation caused by the driving method of the liquid crystal layer 19 and retardation caused by optical anisotropy of the first resin substrate 13 and the second resin substrate 14 (particularly the resin film 34). May be. Further, an adhesive layer may be provided between each layer to reinforce the fixing strength between adjacent layers. Further, a hard coat layer is provided on the outermost layer of the liquid crystal cell 10 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, outside the first polarizing element 11 and / or the second polarizing element 12) to protect each layer constituting the liquid crystal cell 10 from external force. You may do it. In addition, an arbitrary functional layer such as an index matching layer may be provided.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seal portion is provided between the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 (see reference numeral “38” in FIG. 3 and the like). The seal portion 38 divides a space into which the liquid crystal member constituting the liquid crystal layer 19 is injected together with the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 and seals the liquid crystal layer 19 to prevent leakage of the liquid crystal member. In addition, the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 are bonded to each other and fixed to each other.

  In addition, regarding the above-described FIGS. 1 and 2 and other drawings described later, “the direction of the illustrated liquid crystal cell 10” and “the direction of the actually used liquid crystal cell 10” do not necessarily match. For example, in FIG. 1, the first polarizing element 11 is located above the second polarizing element 12, but the second polarizing element 12 may be located above the first polarizing element 11. Good.

  Next, a connection mode between the electrode parts (the first electrode part 15 and the second electrode part 16) and a conductive part that applies a voltage to the electrode part will be described.

  In each of the following embodiments, at least a part of the connection portion of the conductive portion that is electrically connected to the first electrode portion 15 of the liquid crystal cell 10 is not covered with the first polarizing element 11, and the connection portion The influence of the dimensional change of the 1st polarizing element 11 with respect to is suppressed. In the following description, it is assumed that the FPC is used as the conductive portion. However, when a conductive portion other than the FPC is used, the conductive portion is physically attached to the electrode portion in the same manner as when the FPC is used. And electrical connection.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the first embodiment.

  A conductive portion 43 is disposed between the first electrode base layer 21 and the second electrode base layer 22. The conductive portion 43 includes a first connection portion 41 that is electrically connected to an electrode portion (first electrode portion 15) of the first electrode base layer 21, and an electrode portion (first portion) of the second electrode base layer 22. A second connecting portion 42 electrically connected to the two-electrode portion 16).

  The first connection portion 41 of this embodiment is not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and the second connection portion 42 is also covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12. Absent. The position of the first electrode portion 15 that is electrically connected to the first connection portion 41 faces the position of the second electrode portion 16 that is electrically connected to the second connection portion 42.

  The first electrode portion 15 is electrically connected to the covered electrode portion 15a that sandwiches the liquid crystal layer 19 between the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16, and is electrically connected to the first connecting portion 41. And an exposed electrode portion 15b to be connected. The second electrode portion 16 is electrically connected to the covered electrode portion 16a sandwiching the liquid crystal layer 19 between the second electrode portion 16 and the covered electrode portion 16a, and is electrically connected to the second connecting portion 42. And an exposed electrode portion 16b connected to the.

  The conductive part 43 including the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 is composed of a plurality of members extending continuously without a gap, and the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 are integrated. It is configured. The “integrated first connecting portion 41 and second connecting portion 42” here need only be provided without a gap through the main body portion of the conductive portion 43, and are not necessarily “continuously extending. It is not necessary to be constituted by “the same member”. In particular, since a desired voltage is applied to the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16 via the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 are electrically connected. Must be insulated. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the main body portion of the conductive portion 43 includes an insulating base film such as polyimide and an electric circuit formed of a conductive metal on the surface of the base film. And the 2nd connection part 42 is formed with the silver paste connected to the said electric circuit.

  In the illustrated example, the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 are formed not only in the active area R1 but also in the non-active area R2, but the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion of the conductive portion 43 are also illustrated. The first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 are not formed at the position where 42 is disposed. Therefore, the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16 (that is, the exposed electrode portion 15b and the exposed electrode portion 16b) at the position are exposed without being covered with the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18, and this exposure is performed. The first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 are connected to the first electrode part 15 and the second electrode part 16.

  Seal portions 38 are disposed between the first alignment film 17 and the second alignment film 18 and between the liquid crystal layer 19 and the conductive portion 43. In the present embodiment, all portions of the seal portion 38 are covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and the end surface of the first polarizing element 11, the end surface of the seal portion 38, the end surface of the conductive portion 43, And the end surface of the 2nd polarizing element 12 is located on the same straight line. Therefore, the seal portion 38 of the present embodiment is provided in close contact with the liquid crystal layer 19 and the conductive portion 43 without a gap.

  In this way, in the “active area R1” where the light transmittance can be controlled by the orientation of the liquid crystal layer 19, the covered electrode portion 15a of the first electrode portion 15 and the covered electrode portion 16a of the second electrode portion 16 are arranged. Further, the exposed electrode portion 15b of the first electrode portion 15 and the exposed electrode portion 16b of the second electrode portion 16 are disposed in the “inactive area R2” in which the light transmittance cannot be controlled by the orientation of the liquid crystal layer 19. The first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 of the conductive portion 43 are directly connected to the exposed electrode portion 15b and the exposed electrode portion 16b disposed in the inactive area R2, and these exposed electrode portion 15b and exposed electrode A potential difference (voltage) is caused to the covered electrode portion 15a and the covered electrode portion 16a disposed in the active area R1 via the portion 16b.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, the first electrode base material layer 21 has a protrusion that is not covered by the first polarizing element 11, and the protrusion is perpendicular to the stacking direction (FIG. 3). In the right direction) and is provided outside the first polarizing element 11 and protrudes from the first polarizing element 11. The second electrode base layer 22 has a protrusion that is not covered by the second polarizing element 12, and the protrusion is outside the second polarizing element 12 in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (the right direction in FIG. 3). And protrudes from the second polarizing element 12. And the 1st connection part 41 is electrically connected with respect to the 1st electrode part 15 provided in the protrusion part of the 1st electrode base material layer 21, The 2nd connection part 42 is the protrusion part of the 2nd electrode base material layer 22 It is electrically connected to the second electrode part 16 provided in the.

  According to the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the connection portion of the first connection portion 41 in the first electrode portion 15 is not covered with the first polarization element 11, so that even the first polarization element 11 is not covered. Even if a dimensional change occurs, the influence of such a dimensional change on the connection state between the first connection portion 41 and the first electrode portion 15 is very small. Similarly, since the connection portion of the second connection portion 42 in the second electrode portion 16 is not covered with the second polarizing element 12, even if a dimensional change occurs in the second polarizing element 12, such a dimensional change does not occur. The influence on the connection state between the second connection part 42 and the second electrode part 16 is very small.

  Therefore, even if the dimensions of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 change, the conductive portion 43 (particularly, the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrodes (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode). The electrical connection between the portions 16 (particularly, the exposed electrode portion 15b and the exposed electrode portion 16b) can be appropriately maintained.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  The seal portion 38 of the present embodiment is disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 19, but is disposed away from the conductive portion 43, and a space S 1 is formed between the seal portion 38 and the conductive portion 43. .

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the first embodiment.

  Also in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, the first connecting element 41 and the second connecting part 42 of the conductive part 43 are not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and thus the first polarizing element 11 and Even if the dimension of the second polarizing element 12 changes, the electrical connection between the conductive portion 43 (the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrode (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). Connection can be maintained properly.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the third embodiment.

  The seal portion 38 of this embodiment is not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12. However, the liquid crystal layer 19 is covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and the end face of the first polarizing element 11 (the right end face in FIG. 5) and the end face of the seal portion 38 (the left end face in FIG. 5). ) And the end face of the second polarizing element 12 (right end face in FIG. 5) are located on the same straight line.

  Since the seal portion 38 has such an arrangement relationship, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 of the conductive portion 43 provided on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 19 through the seal portion 38 inevitably It is not covered by the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Also in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, the first connecting element 41 and the second connecting part 42 of the conductive part 43 are not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and thus the first polarizing element 11 and Even if the dimension of the second polarizing element 12 changes, the electrical connection between the conductive portion 43 (the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrode (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). Connection can be maintained properly.

  Note that at least a part of the seal portion 38 is not necessarily covered with at least one of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the liquid crystal cell 10 of the third embodiment. In this modification, only a part of the seal part 38 is not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and the other part of the seal part 38 is covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12. Covered.

  Also in this modification, the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 of the conductive part 43 are not necessarily covered by the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12. Therefore, even if the dimensions of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 change, the conductive portion 43 (the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrodes (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). ) Can be properly maintained.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, all of the seal portion 38 is covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and the seal portion 38 is the first polarized light in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 7). It arrange | positions inside the element 11 and the 2nd polarizing element 12 (left side of FIG. 7). However, the 1st connection part 41 and the 2nd connection part 42 are arrange | positioned outside the 1st polarizing element 11 and the 2nd polarizing element 12 (right side of FIG. 7) regarding the direction perpendicular | vertical to the lamination direction (left-right direction of FIG. 7). Is done.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Also in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, the first connecting element 41 and the second connecting part 42 of the conductive part 43 are not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and thus the first polarizing element 11 and Even if the dimension of the second polarizing element 12 changes, the electrical connection between the conductive portion 43 (the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrode (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). Connection can be maintained properly.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The seal portion 38 of the present embodiment is covered by one of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 (the second polarizing element 12 in the illustrated example), but the other (the first polarizing element 12 in the illustrated example). It is not covered by the polarizing element 11). Further, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 are disposed outside the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 8).

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Also in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, the first connecting element 41 and the second connecting part 42 of the conductive part 43 are not covered with the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12, and thus the first polarizing element 11 and Even if the dimension of the second polarizing element 12 changes, the electrical connection between the conductive portion 43 (the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42) and the electrode (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). Connection can be maintained properly.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 are arranged at positions facing each other, and both the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 are the first polarizing element 11 and the second connection portion 42. It is not covered by the two-polarizing element 12. However, the 1st connection part 41 and the 2nd connection part 42 do not necessarily need to be arrange | positioned in the opposing position. In that case, it is preferable that the first connecting portion 41 is disposed at a position not covered by the first polarizing element 11, and the second connecting portion 42 is disposed at a position not covered by the second polarizing element 12.

  Since the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 are disposed on the opposite side with the liquid crystal layer 19 in between, the “member disposed on the same side as the first polarizing element 11 with the liquid crystal layer 19” Has a relatively large effect due to the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11, but the “member disposed on the opposite side of the first polarizing element 11 via the liquid crystal layer 19” The effect caused by dimensional changes is relatively small. Similarly, the “member disposed on the same side as the second polarizing element 12 via the liquid crystal layer 19” has a relatively large influence caused by the dimensional change of the second polarizing element 12. Thus, the influence caused by the dimensional change of the second polarizing element 12 is relatively small for the member disposed on the opposite side of the second polarizing element 12. Therefore, the first connecting portion 41 may be disposed at a position covered by the second polarizing element 12 as long as it is not covered by the first polarizing element 11, and the second connecting portion 42 is disposed at the second polarizing element 12. As long as the position is not covered by the first polarizing element 11, it may be disposed at a position covered by the first polarizing element 11.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the sixth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 have different sizes, and the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 are not covered by the first polarizing element 11, but are second. Covered by the polarizing element 12. Accordingly, the first connecting portion 41 is disposed at a position not covered by the first polarizing element 11, while the second connecting portion 42 is disposed at a position covered by the second polarizing element 12.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the first connecting portion 41 is hardly affected by the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11, and the first electrode portion 15 is not affected by the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11. It is possible to appropriately maintain an electrical connection with the one connecting portion 41).

  On the other hand, the second connection part 42 is affected by the dimensional change of the second polarizing element 12. However, the first connection part 41 arranged at a position facing the second connection part 42 is hardly affected by the dimensional change of the first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12. Moreover, the 1st connection part 41 is not restrained by the 1st polarizing element 11, and the 2nd connection part 42 can be fluctuate | moved comparatively freely. Therefore, compared with the case where the 1st connection part 41 is covered with the 1st polarizing element 11, and receives the influence of the change of the 1st polarizing element 11, the dimension of the 2nd polarizing element 12 which the 2nd connection part 42 of this embodiment receives The impact of change is kept small.

  As described above, if one of the connection portions (the first connection portion 41) is not covered with the “polarizing element (first polarizing element 11) disposed on the same side via the liquid crystal layer 19”, Maintaining electrical connection between the electrode part (first electrode part 15 and second electrode part 16) and the conductive part 43 (first connection part 41 and second connection part 42) even if a dimensional change occurs. The effect that “it is possible” can be produced.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell 10 taken along a cross-sectional line XI-XI in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell 10 taken along a cross-sectional line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell 10 taken along a cross-sectional line XIII-XIII in FIG.

  The 1st connection part 41 and the 2nd connection part 42 of this embodiment are not provided in the position which mutually opposed, but the 1st electrode base material orientation layer 23 (the 1st electrode base material layer 21, the 1st resin base material) 13, first electrode portion 15 and first alignment film 17) and second electrode substrate alignment layer 24 (second electrode substrate layer 22, second resin substrate 14, second electrode portion 16 and second alignment film 18). ) Also have different plane shapes.

  Of the first electrode substrate alignment layer 23 (the first electrode substrate layer 21, the first resin substrate 13, the first electrode portion 15, and the first alignment film 17), the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (upward direction in FIG. 10) , A portion protruding from the seal portion 38 with respect to the right direction in FIG. 12, and the second electrode substrate orientation layer 24 (second electrode substrate layer 22, second resin substrate 14, second electrode portion 16, and second Of the alignment film 18), portions protruding from the seal portion 38 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (upward direction in FIG. 10, right direction in FIG. 13) are disposed at positions that do not face each other (FIG. 10). reference).

  One surface (front surface) of the conductive portion 43 is disposed so as to face the protruding portion (particularly the exposed electrode portion 15b) of the first electrode substrate orientation layer 23, and the other surface (back surface) of the conductive portion 43 is the second surface. It arrange | positions so that it may go to the protrusion part (especially exposed electrode part 16b) of the electrode base material orientation layer 24. FIG. Therefore, the first connection portion 41 provided on the front surface side of the conductive portion 43 and the second connection portion 42 provided on the back surface side are respectively “exposed electrode portion 15b of the protruding portion of the first electrode substrate alignment layer 23” and “first electrode portion”. It is physically and electrically connected to the exposed electrode portion 16b of the protruding portion of the two-electrode substrate alignment layer 24 ”.

  The first polarizing element 11 and the second polarizing element 12 cover at least the liquid crystal layer 19 (the liquid crystal layer 19 and the seal portion 38 in the illustrated example), and the protruding portion of the first electrode base material alignment layer 23 and the second polarizing element. It arrange | positions so that the protrusion part of the electrode base material orientation layer 24 may not be covered.

  Other configurations are the same as those of the liquid crystal cell 10 according to the second embodiment.

  Also in the liquid crystal cell 10 of the present embodiment, since the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 of the conductive portion 43 are not covered with the first polarization element 11 and the second polarization element 12, the first polarization element 11 and the second connection portion 42 are not covered. Even if the dimension of the two-polarizing element 12 changes, the electrical connection between the conductive portion 43 (the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42) and the electrode (the first electrode portion 15 and the second electrode portion 16). Connections can be maintained properly.

  The above-described liquid crystal cell 10 can be widely applied to devices that require adjustment of light transmittance, and the application target is not particularly limited, and can be used in, for example, a liquid crystal display or a light control device.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can include various aspects to which various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art can be included. The effects achieved by the present invention are also described above. It is not limited to the matter of. Therefore, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made to each element described in the claims and the specification without departing from the technical idea and spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid crystal cell 11 1st polarizing element 12 2nd polarizing element 13 1st resin base material 14 2nd resin base material 15 1st electrode part 15a Covered electrode part 15b Exposed electrode part 16 2nd electrode part 16a Covered electrode part 16b Exposed electrode Part 17 First alignment film 18 Second alignment film 19 Liquid crystal layer 21 First electrode substrate layer 22 Second electrode substrate layer 23 First electrode substrate alignment layer 24 Second electrode substrate alignment layer 31 Polarizing layer 32 Adhesive layer 33 Hard coat layer 34 Resin film 35 Spacer 38 Seal part 41 First connection part 42 Second connection part 43 Conductive part S1 Space R1 Active area R2 Inactive area

Claims (7)

A first polarizing element and a second polarizing element;
A first electrode base layer disposed on the first polarizing element side and a second electrode base layer disposed on the second polarizing element side between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; A first electrode substrate layer and a second electrode substrate layer each having a resin substrate and an electrode portion fixed to the resin substrate;
A first alignment film disposed on the first polarizing element side and a second alignment film disposed on the second polarizing element side between the first electrode substrate layer and the second electrode substrate layer; ,
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first alignment film and the second alignment film;
A conductive part disposed between the first electrode base material layer and the second electrode base material layer, the first electrically connected to the electrode part of the first electrode base material layer A conductive portion having a connection portion and a second connection portion electrically connected to the electrode portion of the second electrode base material layer;
The first connection portion is not covered with the first polarizing element,
The electrode part of the first electrode base material layer and the electrode part of the second electrode base material layer are the resin base material of the first electrode base material layer and the resin base material of the second electrode base material layer. Is placed between and
The position of the electrode part of the first electrode base material layer that is electrically connected to the first connection part is electrically connected to the second connection part of the electrode part of the second electrode base material layer. A liquid crystal cell that does not face the connected position .   The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the first connection portion is not covered with the second polarizing element.   The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the second connection part is not covered with the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element. The liquid crystal cell according to any one of integrally formed claims 1-3 and the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion of the conductive portion. A seal part disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the conductive part between the first alignment film and the second alignment film;
At least in part, said liquid crystal cell according to any one of claims 1-4 which is not covered in at least either of the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element of the seal portion. A seal part disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the conductive part between the first alignment film and the second alignment film;
The sealing unit comprises a liquid crystal cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4 which is spaced apart from said conductive part.   A seal part disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the conductive part between the first alignment film and the second alignment film;
  The first electrode substrate layer has a protruding portion that protrudes from the seal portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode portion and the resin substrate are laminated,
  The second electrode substrate layer has a protruding portion that protrudes from the seal portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode portion and the resin substrate are laminated,
  In the protruding portion of the first electrode base material layer, the electrode portion of the first electrode base material layer is electrically connected to the first connection portion,
  The said electrode part of the said 2nd electrode base material layer is electrically connected with the said 2nd connection part in the said protrusion part of the said 2nd electrode base material layer, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Liquid crystal cell.

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