WO2012077318A1 - Liquid crystal display device with touch panel - Google Patents

Liquid crystal display device with touch panel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012077318A1
WO2012077318A1 PCT/JP2011/006762 JP2011006762W WO2012077318A1 WO 2012077318 A1 WO2012077318 A1 WO 2012077318A1 JP 2011006762 W JP2011006762 W JP 2011006762W WO 2012077318 A1 WO2012077318 A1 WO 2012077318A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
substrate
liquid crystal
touch panel
display device
crystal display
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2011/006762
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
渡辺　典子
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シャープ株式会社
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Publication of WO2012077318A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012077318A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/13338—Input devices, e.g. touch panels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1339—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells
    • G02F1/13394—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells spacers regularly patterned on the cell subtrate, e.g. walls, pillars
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0412—Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1339—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells
    • G02F1/13396—Spacers having different sizes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/045—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel that can detect a position touched by a pen or a finger on a display surface.
  • touch panels or touch sensors
  • This touch panel is an apparatus that inputs information interactively to an electronic device by touching (pressing) with a finger or a pen.
  • This touch panel is classified into a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, an electromagnetic inductive coupling method, and the like according to its operation principle.
  • a resistive film type and capacitive coupling type touch panel can be mounted on a display device or the like at a low cost, and has been frequently used in recent years.
  • the touch panel is disposed on the front surface (observer side) of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.
  • a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.
  • the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device with a resistive touch panel has a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) substrate as a first substrate and a CF (a second substrate disposed on the observer side). Color Filter) and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the CF substrate.
  • the liquid crystal display device includes a first transparent conductive film for a touch panel provided as a resistance film on a surface opposite to the side on which the liquid crystal layer of the CF substrate is disposed, and a first transparent conductive film.
  • An air layer is formed between the first and second transparent conductive films sandwiched between the second transparent conductive film for the touch panel provided as a resistance film facing the film and the first and second transparent conductive films And an insulating spacer and a film (for example, a polarizing plate) disposed on the second transparent conductive film.
  • the resistive film type touch panel having such a configuration, when the surface is pressed, the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film come into contact (short circuit), and the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film are in contact with each other. A current flows between the transparent conductive film. And it becomes the structure which detects the pressed position by detecting the change (namely, resistance change) of the voltage when an electric current flows between the 1st transparent conductive film and the 2nd transparent conductive film. Yes.
  • a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel when the touch panel is touched with a finger or a pen, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device, so that the CF substrate is deformed and the liquid crystal moves (flows), and the periphery of the touched portion. In this case, the alignment of the liquid crystal is disturbed. As a result, there is a problem that display quality is deteriorated around the touched portion.
  • a liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels includes a partition for dividing the plurality of pixels into a plurality of regions.
  • the liquid crystal is divided into a plurality of independent regions by the partition walls, so that even when the substrate is deformed due to the touch, the liquid crystal in the pressurized region flows to other regions. It is described that this can be prevented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel that can be prevented.
  • a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel is provided between a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate.
  • a display region having pixels, and partition walls are provided on at least one of the liquid crystal layer side surface of the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer side surface of the second substrate and project toward the liquid crystal layer.
  • the height of the partition wall is lower than the height of the spacer.
  • the partition wall when the liquid crystal is injected, the partition wall does not come into contact with the second substrate and a gap is formed between the partition wall and the second substrate when not touched with a finger or a pen.
  • the liquid crystal can flow so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the spacer. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
  • the second substrate may include a plastic substrate.
  • the thickness of the plastic substrate may be 3 ⁇ m or more.
  • the partition wall may be formed of a photosensitive resin.
  • the spacer and the partition can be formed of the same material at the same time by photolithography.
  • the spacer may be a columnar spacer.
  • the spacer may be a bead spacer.
  • the touch panel may be a resistive film type touch panel.
  • the present invention in the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, it is possible to make the cell gap uniform and to prevent the display quality from being deteriorated around the touched portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is provided with a partition in the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • It is a perspective view which shows the TFT substrate.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the surface of the touch panel is touched using a pen.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 includes a TFT substrate 2 that is a first substrate on which a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) that are switching elements are formed, and a first substrate disposed opposite to the TFT substrate 2.
  • TFTs thin film transistors
  • a CF substrate 3 that is two substrates and a liquid crystal layer 4 that is a display medium layer provided between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are provided.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 is sandwiched between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3, and a seal provided in a frame shape for adhering the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 to each other and enclosing the liquid crystal layer 4.
  • Material 5 is provided.
  • the sealing material 5 is formed so as to circulate around the liquid crystal layer 4, and the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are bonded to each other via the sealing material 5.
  • the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are each formed in a rectangular plate shape.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 is sandwiched between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3, and a plurality of liquid crystal display devices 4 for regulating the thickness (that is, the cell gap) of the liquid crystal layer 4.
  • Photo spacers (columnar spacers) 6 are provided.
  • the photo spacer 6 is made of, for example, an acrylic photosensitive resin and is formed by a photolithography method.
  • a display area (coordinate input area using a touch panel) D that displays an image in an area where the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 overlap inside the sealing material 5. Is stipulated.
  • the display area D is configured by arranging a plurality of pixels 10 as a minimum unit of an image in a matrix.
  • the TFT substrate 2 includes a plastic substrate 11 which is a film-like insulating substrate formed of a resin material and has flexibility.
  • a resin material for forming the plastic substrate 11 for example, an organic material such as polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyparaxylene resin, or acrylic resin can be used.
  • a display element layer 12 having TFTs and the like is formed on the plastic substrate 11 of the TFT substrate 2.
  • the display element layer 12 includes a plurality of gate lines (not shown) extending in parallel to each other on the plastic substrate 11, a plurality of source lines (not shown) extending in parallel to each other so as to be orthogonal to each gate line, A plurality of TFTs (not shown) provided at respective intersections of gate lines and source lines, and a plurality of pixel electrodes (not shown) respectively connected to the respective TFTs are provided.
  • the CF substrate 3 includes a plastic substrate 15 that is a film-like insulating substrate formed of a resin material, like the TFT substrate 2.
  • a resin material for forming the plastic substrate 15 the same material as the organic material for forming the plastic substrate 11 can be used.
  • a CF element layer 16 is formed on the plastic substrate 15 of the CF substrate 3.
  • the CF element layer 16 is provided between each colored layer and a plurality of colored layers (not shown) colored in red, green, or blue, corresponding to each pixel electrode on the TFT substrate 2.
  • a color filter composed of a black matrix (not shown).
  • the CF element layer 16 includes an overcoat layer (not shown) provided on the color filter, a common electrode (not shown) provided on the overcoat layer, and an alignment film (not shown) provided on the common electrode. (Not shown).
  • the thickness of the plastic substrates 11 and 15 is preferably 3 ⁇ m or more. This is because if the thickness is less than 3 ⁇ m, sufficient mechanical strength may not be obtained.
  • the liquid crystal layer 4 includes, for example, nematic liquid crystal having electro-optical characteristics.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 of the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display device with a resistive film type touch panel. As shown in FIG. 1, a touch panel is provided on the surface 3 a opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the CF substrate 3. 34 is provided.
  • a plastic substrate 15 of the CF substrate 3 and a flexible film substrate 40 provided to face the plastic substrate 15 are interposed via an air layer 41.
  • the film substrate 40 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.
  • a conductive film 42 for a touch panel that constitutes a resistive film type touch panel is provided on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side. Further, a conductive film 43 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel is provided on the surface 40a of the film substrate 40 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • a plurality of dot spacers 44 are sandwiched between the conductive film 42 and the conductive film 43 in order to prevent the conductive films 42 and 43 from erroneously contacting due to the bending of the film substrate 40 due to external factors. ing.
  • the CF substrate 3 and the film substrate 40 are configured to be bonded together by a bonding material 45 provided on the air layer 41.
  • the touch panel 34 is configured by the film substrate 40, the conductive films 42 and 43, and the dot spacers 44.
  • a polarizing plate (not shown) is provided on the surface of the TFT substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • a polarizing plate (not shown) is provided on the surface of the touch panel 34 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4. This polarizing plate is an optical sheet having a function of transmitting only a polarized light component in a specific direction with respect to incident light.
  • the surface of the film substrate 40 is pressed through the polarizing plate, so that the pair of conductive films 42 and 43 are in contact with each other (short-circuited), and the pair of conductive films
  • a change in voltage that is, a change in resistance
  • the pressed position is detected. It has a configuration.
  • each pixel 10 is partitioned by surrounding the periphery of each pixel 10 on the surface 2a on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the TFT substrate 2, and the liquid crystal A partition wall 20 protruding toward the layer 4 is formed.
  • the height of the partition wall 20 is characterized in that it is lower than the height of the photo spacer 6 (that is, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 4). That is, the height H 1 of partition wall 20, if the height of the photo spacer 6 was H 2, has a configuration in which the relationship of H 1 ⁇ H 2 is established.
  • the partition wall 20 when not touched with a finger or a pen, the partition wall 20 does not contact the CF substrate 3 and a gap is formed between the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 as shown in FIG. Is done. Accordingly, when liquid crystal is injected, the liquid crystal may flow so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the photo spacer 6 even when the amount of liquid crystal injected in each pixel 10 varies. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 in which the CF substrate 3 includes the plastic substrate 15 and the CF substrate 3 is easily deformed when the touch panel is touched with a finger or a pen, the display quality in the vicinity of the touched portion is deteriorated. Can be prevented.
  • partition wall 20 is formed of, for example, an acrylic photosensitive resin, similarly to the photo spacer 6 described above.
  • the partition wall 20 surrounds the periphery of each pixel 10 in the TFT substrate 2 and overlaps with the gate line and the source line in a region (non-display region) where the gate line and the source line are provided in a plan view. It is provided as follows.
  • the manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a TFT substrate manufacturing process, a CF substrate manufacturing process, a conductive film forming process, a CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and a TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process.
  • a display element layer 12 constituting the display region D is formed on the plastic substrate 11 by patterning TFTs, pixel electrodes, and the like.
  • the photo spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 are simultaneously formed of the same material by a photolithography method. More specifically, an acrylic photosensitive resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the display element layer 12 is formed by spin coating, and the applied photosensitive resin is exposed through a photomask. By developing, the photo spacer 6 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 4 ⁇ m, and the partition wall 20 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 3 ⁇ m. At this time, the partition wall 20 is formed so as to surround each pixel 10.
  • a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the photospacers 6 are formed by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film with a thickness of about 1000 mm.
  • the TFT substrate 2 can be manufactured as described above.
  • a color filter including a colored layer and a black matrix, an overcoat layer, a common electrode, and the like are patterned on the plastic substrate 15 to form the CF element layer 16 constituting the display region D.
  • a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film, thereby producing the CF substrate 3.
  • the black matrix is made of metal materials such as Ta (tantalum), Cr (chromium), Mo (molybdenum), Ni (nickel), Ti (titanium), Cu (copper), and Al (aluminum), and black pigments such as carbon.
  • metal materials such as Ta (tantalum), Cr (chromium), Mo (molybdenum), Ni (nickel), Ti (titanium), Cu (copper), and Al (aluminum), and black pigments such as carbon.
  • a metal film such as copper or aluminum is formed on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 by sputtering. Thereafter, patterning is performed by photolithography and etching is performed to form a conductive film 42 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • a film substrate 40 made of a material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate is prepared.
  • a metal film such as aluminum is formed by a sputtering method.
  • patterning is performed by photolithography and etching is performed to form a conductive film 43 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel on the surface 40a of the film substrate 40 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • dot spacers 44 made of a non-conductive resin material such as acrylic resin are formed on the surface of the CF substrate 3 by photolithography.
  • a bonding material 45 made of a resin material containing a spacer (not shown) made of acrylic resin or the like is drawn on the CF substrate 3 in a frame shape.
  • a bonding material 45 made of a resin material containing a spacer (not shown) made of acrylic resin or the like is drawn on the CF substrate 3 in a frame shape.
  • the CF substrate 3 and the film substrate 40 are bonded together via a bonding material 45.
  • ⁇ TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process First, for example, using a dispenser, the sealing material 5 made of ultraviolet curing and thermosetting resin or the like is drawn on the CF substrate 3 in a frame shape.
  • a liquid crystal material is dropped and injected into a region inside the sealing material 5 in the CF substrate 3 on which the sealing material 5 is drawn.
  • the CF substrate 3 onto which the liquid crystal material is dropped and the TFT substrate 2 are bonded together under reduced pressure.
  • the partition wall 20 does not come into contact with the CF substrate 3 and a gap is formed between the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3, the liquid crystal injection amount in each pixel 10 varies. Even so, the liquid crystal flows so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the photo spacer 6, and the cell gap can be made uniform.
  • the front and back surfaces of the bonded body are pressurized by releasing the bonded body to atmospheric pressure.
  • the sealing material 5 is cured by heating the bonded body.
  • a polarizing plate is provided on the surface of the touch panel 34 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4, and a polarizing plate is provided on the surface of the TFT substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • the liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state which used the pen and touched the surface of the touch panel. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
  • the liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel uses a bead spacer 25 instead of the photo spacer 6 described above. Also in this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the height of the partition wall 20 is lower than the height of the bead spacer 25 (that is, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 4). is there. That is, the height H 1 of partition wall 20, if the height of the bead spacers 25 was H 3, has a configuration in which the relationship of H 1 ⁇ H 3 is established.
  • the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 are not in contact with the CF substrate 3 without being touched with a finger or a pen.
  • a gap is formed between the two. Therefore, when liquid crystal is injected, the liquid crystal flows so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the bead spacer 25 even if the injection amount of the liquid crystal in each pixel 10 varies. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
  • the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of this embodiment includes a TFT substrate manufacturing process, a CF substrate manufacturing process, a conductive film forming process, a CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and a TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process.
  • a TFT substrate manufacturing process a CF substrate manufacturing process, a conductive film forming process, a CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and a TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process.
  • the CF substrate manufacturing process, the conductive film forming process, the CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and the TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description is provided here. Description is omitted.
  • a display element layer 12 constituting the display region D is formed on the plastic substrate 11 by patterning TFTs, pixel electrodes, and the like.
  • the partition wall 20 is formed by a photolithography method. More specifically, an acrylic photosensitive resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the display element layer 12 is formed by spin coating, and the applied photosensitive resin is exposed through a photomask. By developing, the partition wall 20 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 3 ⁇ m. At this time, the partition wall 20 is formed so as to surround each pixel 10.
  • a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the partition walls 20 are formed by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film with a thickness of about 1000 mm.
  • spherical silica or plastic particles are dispersed over the entire substrate to form a bead spacer 25 having a height (thickness) of about 4 ⁇ m.
  • the TFT substrate 2 can be manufactured as described above.
  • the CF substrate manufacturing process, the conductive film forming process, the CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and the TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process described in the first embodiment are performed, as shown in FIG.
  • the liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel is manufactured.
  • the partition 20 is formed on the surface 2a of the TFT substrate 2 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
  • the partition 20 is formed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the CF substrate 3 as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure formed in the surface 3b.
  • a part of the partition wall 20 is formed on the surface 2a of the TFT substrate 2 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side, and a part of the partition wall 20 is formed on the surface 3b of the CF substrate 3 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side. It is good also as a structure formed in.
  • the partition wall 20 that protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided on at least one of the surface 2 a on the liquid crystal layer side of the TFT substrate 2 and the surface 3 b on the liquid crystal layer side of the CF substrate 3. If it does, the effect demonstrated in the above-mentioned 1st and 2nd embodiment can be acquired.
  • a resistive film type touch panel is used.
  • a capacitive type, infrared type, ultrasonic type, and electromagnetic inductive coupling type touch panel may be used.
  • the plastic substrates 11 and 15 are used.
  • a glass substrate may be used instead of the plastic substrates 11 and 15, a glass substrate may be used.
  • the touch panel produced separately from the liquid crystal display panel is used as the liquid crystal display panel. It is good also as a structure arrange
  • a polarizing plate is provided on the surface 3a on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of CF board
  • the touch panel may be provided on the surface of the polarizing plate.
  • the photo spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 are formed of the same material.
  • the spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 may be formed of different materials.
  • a photo spacer may be provided on a part of the surface of the partition wall 20.
  • the present invention is particularly useful for a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of a capacitance type or a resistance film type.
  • Liquid crystal display device with touch panel TFT substrate (first substrate) 2a TFT substrate surface on the liquid crystal layer side 3 CF substrate (second substrate) 3a CF substrate surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer side 4
  • Liquid crystal layer 6 Photo spacer (spacer) 10 pixels 11 plastic substrate 12 display element layer 15 plastic substrate 16 CF element layer 20 partition wall 25 bead spacer (spacer) 30 Liquid crystal display device with touch panel 31 Pen 34 Touch panel 40 Film substrate 40a Surface on the liquid crystal layer side of the film substrate D Display area

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device (1) with a touch panel is provided with: a liquid crystal layer (4) that is arranged between a TFT substrate (2) and a CF substrate (3); a photospacer (6) that is sandwiched between the TFT substrate (2) and the CF substrate (3); and a touch panel (34) that is provided on a surface (3a) of the CF substrate (3), said surface (3a) being on the reverse side of the liquid crystal layer (4) side. The liquid crystal layer (4)-side surface of the TFT substrate (2) is provided with a partition wall (20) that defines pixels (10) and protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer (4). The partition wall (20) is configured so as to have a height that is lower than the height of the photospacer (6).

Description

タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置LCD with touch panel
　本発明は、表示面におけるペンや指などによって接触された位置を検出することのできるタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel that can detect a position touched by a pen or a finger on a display surface.
　近年、自動販売機、ＡＴＭ、携帯ゲーム機、カーナビゲーション等の電子機器においては、画面に触れることにより、電子機器の操作を行う装置であるタッチパネル（または、タッチセンサ）が設けられている。このタッチパネルは、指やペンなどでタッチ（押圧）することによって、電子機器に対して対話形式で情報を入力する装置である。 In recent years, electronic devices such as vending machines, ATMs, portable game machines, car navigation systems, and the like have been provided with touch panels (or touch sensors) that are devices for operating electronic devices by touching screens. This touch panel is an apparatus that inputs information interactively to an electronic device by touching (pressing) with a finger or a pen.
　このタッチパネルは、その動作原理によって、抵抗膜方式、静電容量方式、赤外線方式、超音波方式、及び電磁誘導結合方式等に分類されている。そして、抵抗膜方式、及び静電容量結合方式のタッチパネルは、低コストで表示装置などに搭載可能であるので、近年、よく利用されている。 This touch panel is classified into a resistance film method, a capacitance method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, an electromagnetic inductive coupling method, and the like according to its operation principle. In addition, a resistive film type and capacitive coupling type touch panel can be mounted on a display device or the like at a low cost, and has been frequently used in recent years.
　タッチパネルを表示装置と一体的に使用する場合、例えば、液晶表示装置などの表示装置の前面（観察者側）にタッチパネルを配置することになる。より具体的には、例えば、上記抵抗膜方式のタッチパネル付きの液晶表示装置は、第１基板であるＴＦＴ（Thin-Film Transistor）基板と、観測者側に配置される第２基板であるＣＦ（Color Filter）と、ＴＦＴ基板とＣＦ基板との間に挟持された液晶層とを備えている。また、この液晶表示装置は、ＣＦ基板の液晶層が配置されている側とは反対側の面上に設けられ、抵抗膜として設けられたタッチパネル用の第１透明導電膜と、第１透明導電膜に対向して抵抗膜として設けられたタッチパネル用の第２透明導電膜と、第１及び第２透明導電膜の間に挟持されて第１及び第２透明導電膜の間に空気層を形成する絶縁性を有するスペーサと、第２透明導電膜上に配置したフィルム（例えば、偏光板）とを備えている。 When the touch panel is used integrally with the display device, for example, the touch panel is disposed on the front surface (observer side) of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. More specifically, for example, the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device with a resistive touch panel has a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) substrate as a first substrate and a CF (a second substrate disposed on the observer side). Color Filter) and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the CF substrate. The liquid crystal display device includes a first transparent conductive film for a touch panel provided as a resistance film on a surface opposite to the side on which the liquid crystal layer of the CF substrate is disposed, and a first transparent conductive film. An air layer is formed between the first and second transparent conductive films sandwiched between the second transparent conductive film for the touch panel provided as a resistance film facing the film and the first and second transparent conductive films And an insulating spacer and a film (for example, a polarizing plate) disposed on the second transparent conductive film.
　そして、このような構成の抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルでは、その表面が押圧されることにより、第１透明導電膜と第２透明導電膜が接触（短絡）して、第１透明導電膜と第２透明導電膜との間に電流が流れる。そして、第１透明導電膜と第２透明導電膜との間に電流が流れた時の電圧の変化（即ち、抵抗の変化）を検知することにより、押圧された位置を検出する構成となっている。 In the resistive film type touch panel having such a configuration, when the surface is pressed, the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film come into contact (short circuit), and the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film are in contact with each other. A current flows between the transparent conductive film. And it becomes the structure which detects the pressed position by detecting the change (namely, resistance change) of the voltage when an electric current flows between the 1st transparent conductive film and the 2nd transparent conductive film. Yes.
　ここで、タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、タッチパネルを指やペンなどでタッチすると、液晶表示装置にも圧力が加わるため、ＣＦ基板が変形して液晶が移動（流動）し、タッチした部分の周辺において、液晶の配向乱れが生じてしまう。その結果、タッチした部分の周辺で、表示品位が低下するという問題があった。 Here, in a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, when the touch panel is touched with a finger or a pen, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device, so that the CF substrate is deformed and the liquid crystal moves (flows), and the periphery of the touched portion. In this case, the alignment of the liquid crystal is disturbed. As a result, there is a problem that display quality is deteriorated around the touched portion.
　そこで、タッチパネルを指やペンなどでタッチした場合であっても、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止するための液晶表示装置が提案されている。 Therefore, even when the touch panel is touched with a finger or a pen, a liquid crystal display device has been proposed for preventing deterioration in display quality around the touched portion.
　より具体的には、複数の画素を備える液晶表示装置において、当該複数の画素を複数の領域に区分するための隔壁を備えたものが提案されている。そして、このような構成により、液晶が隔壁によって独立した複数の領域に分割されるため、タッチによる基板の変形が生じた場合であっても、加圧された領域の液晶が他の領域に流動することを防止することができると記載されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 More specifically, a liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels has been proposed that includes a partition for dividing the plurality of pixels into a plurality of regions. With such a configuration, the liquid crystal is divided into a plurality of independent regions by the partition walls, so that even when the substrate is deformed due to the touch, the liquid crystal in the pressurized region flows to other regions. It is described that this can be prevented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２００３－６６４６３号公報JP 2003-66463 A
　しかし、上記特許文献１に記載の液晶表示装置においては、隔壁が、ＴＦＴ基板及びＣＦ基板の双方と接触する構造であるため、液晶を注入する際に、各領域における液晶の注入量にバラツキが生じてしまうと、隔壁が障壁となって、加圧のない状態において液晶が流動することができず、結果として、セルギャップが不均一になるという問題が生じていた。 However, in the liquid crystal display device described in Patent Document 1, since the partition wall is in contact with both the TFT substrate and the CF substrate, there is a variation in the amount of liquid crystal injected in each region when liquid crystal is injected. If this occurs, the partition wall becomes a barrier, and the liquid crystal cannot flow in a state where no pressure is applied, resulting in a problem that the cell gap becomes non-uniform.
　そこで、本発明は、上述の問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、タッチパネルをタッチした場合に、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができ、不均一なセルギャップの発生を防止することができるタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. When the touch panel is touched, it is possible to prevent display quality from being deteriorated around the touched portion, and to generate a nonuniform cell gap. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel that can be prevented.
　上記目的を達成するために、本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置は、第１基板と、第１基板に対向して配置された第２基板と、第１基板と第２基板との間に設けられた液晶層と、第１基板と第２基板との間に狭持され、液晶層の厚みを規制するスペーサと、第２基板の液晶層側と反対側の表面上に設けられたタッチパネルと、画素を有する表示領域とを備え、第１基板の液晶層側の表面、及び第２基板の液晶層側の表面の少なくとも一方に、画素を区画し、液晶層に向けて突出する隔壁が設けられており、隔壁の高さは、スペーサの高さよりも低いことを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the present invention is provided between a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate. A liquid crystal layer, a spacer that is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and regulates the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and a touch panel provided on the surface of the second substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer side, And a display region having pixels, and partition walls are provided on at least one of the liquid crystal layer side surface of the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer side surface of the second substrate and project toward the liquid crystal layer. The height of the partition wall is lower than the height of the spacer.
　同構成によれば、指やペンなどでタッチされていない状態では、隔壁が第２基板と接触せずに、隔壁と第２基板との間に隙間が形成されるため、液晶を注入する際に、各画素における液晶の注入量にバラツキが生じた場合であっても、スペーサの高さに従って、セルギャップが均一となるように、液晶が流動することができる。その結果、セルギャップの均一化を図ることが可能になる。 According to this configuration, when the liquid crystal is injected, the partition wall does not come into contact with the second substrate and a gap is formed between the partition wall and the second substrate when not touched with a finger or a pen. In addition, even if the amount of liquid crystal injected in each pixel varies, the liquid crystal can flow so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the spacer. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
　また、例えば、ペンを使用して、タッチパネルの表面をタッチした場合、液晶表示装置にも圧力が加わり、第２基板が変形するが、この際、隔壁と第２基板が接触するため、液晶の移動（流動）が防止され、タッチした部分の周辺における液晶の配向乱れの発生を防止することができる。その結果、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 For example, when the surface of the touch panel is touched using a pen, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device, and the second substrate is deformed. At this time, the partition wall and the second substrate are in contact with each other. The movement (flow) is prevented, and the occurrence of liquid crystal alignment disorder around the touched portion can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality around the touched portion.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、第２基板が、プラスチック基板を備えていてもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the second substrate may include a plastic substrate.
　同構成によれば、フレキシブル性、耐衝撃性及び軽量性に優れた液晶表示装置を提供することが可能になる。また、タッチパネルを指やペンなどでタッチした場合に、第２基板が変形しやすい液晶表示装置においても、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device excellent in flexibility, impact resistance and light weight. In addition, even in a liquid crystal display device in which the second substrate is easily deformed when the touch panel is touched with a finger, a pen, or the like, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality around the touched portion.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、プラスチック基板の厚みが、３μｍ以上であってもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the thickness of the plastic substrate may be 3 μm or more.
　同構成によれば、第２基板において、十分な機械的強度を得ることができる。 According to this configuration, sufficient mechanical strength can be obtained in the second substrate.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、隔壁が、感光性樹脂により形成されていてもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the partition wall may be formed of a photosensitive resin.
　同構成によれば、例えば、スペーサを感光性樹脂により形成する場合に、フォトリソグラフィー法により、スペーサ及び隔壁を同一の材料により同時に形成することが可能になる。 According to this configuration, for example, when the spacer is formed of a photosensitive resin, the spacer and the partition can be formed of the same material at the same time by photolithography.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、スペーサが、柱状スペーサであってもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the spacer may be a columnar spacer.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、スペーサが、ビーズスペーサであってもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the spacer may be a bead spacer.
　本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置においては、タッチパネルが、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルであってもよい。 In the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of the present invention, the touch panel may be a resistive film type touch panel.
　本発明によれば、タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置において、セルギャップの均一化を図ることが可能になるとともに、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 According to the present invention, in the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, it is possible to make the cell gap uniform and to prevent the display quality from being deteriorated around the touched portion.
本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置における隔壁が設けられたＴＦＴ基板を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the TFT substrate in which the partition in the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention was provided. 本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、ペンを使用して、タッチパネルの表面をタッチした状態を示す図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the state which touched the surface of the touchscreen using the pen. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、ペンを使用して、タッチパネルの表面をタッチした状態を示す図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the state which touched the surface of the touchscreen using the pen. 本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の変形例を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen of this invention. 本発明のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の変形例を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen of this invention.
　（第１の実施形態）
　以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、図２は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置における隔壁が設けられたＴＦＴ基板を示す斜視図である。また、図３は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、ペンを使用して、タッチパネルの表面をタッチした状態を示す図である。 (First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is provided with a partition in the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the TFT substrate. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the surface of the touch panel is touched using a pen.
　図１に示すように、液晶表示装置１は、スイッチング素子であるＴＦＴ（Thin-Film Transistor）が複数形成された第１基板であるＴＦＴ基板２と、ＴＦＴ基板２に対向して配置された第２基板であるＣＦ基板３と、ＴＦＴ基板２及びＣＦ基板３の間に挟持して設けられた表示媒体層である液晶層４とを備えている。また、液晶表示装置１は、ＴＦＴ基板２とＣＦ基板３との間に狭持され、ＴＦＴ基板２及びＣＦ基板３を互いに接着するとともに液晶層４を封入するために枠状に設けられたシール材５とを備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 1 includes a TFT substrate 2 that is a first substrate on which a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) that are switching elements are formed, and a first substrate disposed opposite to the TFT substrate 2. A CF substrate 3 that is two substrates and a liquid crystal layer 4 that is a display medium layer provided between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are provided. The liquid crystal display device 1 is sandwiched between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3, and a seal provided in a frame shape for adhering the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 to each other and enclosing the liquid crystal layer 4. Material 5 is provided.
　このシール材５は、液晶層４を周回するように形成されており、ＴＦＴ基板２とＣＦ基板３は、このシール材５を介して相互に貼り合わされている。なお、ＴＦＴ基板２及びＣＦ基板３は、それぞれ矩形板状に形成されている。 The sealing material 5 is formed so as to circulate around the liquid crystal layer 4, and the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are bonded to each other via the sealing material 5. The TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 are each formed in a rectangular plate shape.
　また、図１、図２に示すように、液晶表示装置１は、ＴＦＴ基板２とＣＦ基板３との間に狭持され、液晶層４の厚み（即ち、セルギャップ）を規制するための複数のフォトスペーサ（柱状スペーサ）６を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display device 1 is sandwiched between the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3, and a plurality of liquid crystal display devices 4 for regulating the thickness (that is, the cell gap) of the liquid crystal layer 4. Photo spacers (columnar spacers) 6 are provided.
　このフォトスペーサ６は、例えば、アクリル系の感光性樹脂からなり、フォトリソグラフィー法により形成される。 The photo spacer 6 is made of, for example, an acrylic photosensitive resin and is formed by a photolithography method.
　また、液晶表示装置１では、図１に示すように、シール材５の内側であって、ＴＦＴ基板２及びＣＦ基板３が重なる領域に、画像表示を行う表示領域（タッチパネルによる座標入力領域）Ｄが規定されている。 Further, in the liquid crystal display device 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a display area (coordinate input area using a touch panel) D that displays an image in an area where the TFT substrate 2 and the CF substrate 3 overlap inside the sealing material 5. Is stipulated.
　ここで、図１、図２に示すように、表示領域Ｄは、画像の最小単位である画素１０がマトリクス状に複数配列して構成されている。 Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display area D is configured by arranging a plurality of pixels 10 as a minimum unit of an image in a matrix.
　ＴＦＴ基板２は、樹脂材料により形成されたフィルム状の可撓性（フレキシビリティー）を有する絶縁性基板であるプラスチック基板１１を備える。このプラスチック基板１１を形成する樹脂材料としては、例えば、ポリイミド樹脂、ポリエチレンテレフタラート樹脂、ポリエーテルスルホン樹脂、ポリパラキシレン樹脂、アクリル樹脂等の有機材料を用いることができる。 The TFT substrate 2 includes a plastic substrate 11 which is a film-like insulating substrate formed of a resin material and has flexibility. As a resin material for forming the plastic substrate 11, for example, an organic material such as polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyparaxylene resin, or acrylic resin can be used.
　また、ＴＦＴ基板２のプラスチック基板１１上には、ＴＦＴ等を備えた表示素子層１２が形成されている。 Further, on the plastic substrate 11 of the TFT substrate 2, a display element layer 12 having TFTs and the like is formed.
　ここで、表示素子層１２は、プラスチック基板１１上に互いに平行に延びる複数のゲート線（不図示）と、各ゲート線に直交するように互いに平行に延びる複数のソース線（不図示）と、ゲート線及びソース線の各交差部分にそれぞれ設けられた複数のＴＦＴ（不図示）と、各ＴＦＴにそれぞれ接続された複数の画素電極（不図示）とを備えている。 Here, the display element layer 12 includes a plurality of gate lines (not shown) extending in parallel to each other on the plastic substrate 11, a plurality of source lines (not shown) extending in parallel to each other so as to be orthogonal to each gate line, A plurality of TFTs (not shown) provided at respective intersections of gate lines and source lines, and a plurality of pixel electrodes (not shown) respectively connected to the respective TFTs are provided.
　また、ＣＦ基板３は、ＴＦＴ基板２と同様に、樹脂材料により形成されたフィルム状の可撓性（フレキシビリティー）を有する絶縁性基板であるプラスチック基板１５を備える。このプラスチック基板１５を形成する樹脂材料としては、上述のプラスチック基板１１を形成する有機材料と同様の材料を使用することができる。 The CF substrate 3 includes a plastic substrate 15 that is a film-like insulating substrate formed of a resin material, like the TFT substrate 2. As a resin material for forming the plastic substrate 15, the same material as the organic material for forming the plastic substrate 11 can be used.
　また、ＣＦ基板３のプラスチック基板１５上には、ＣＦ素子層１６が形成されている。ここで、ＣＦ素子層１６は、ＴＦＴ基板２上の各画素電極に対応して、各々、赤色、緑色又は青色に着色された複数の着色層（不図示）と、各着色層の間に設けられたブラックマトリクス（不図示）とからなるカラーフィルターとを備えている。また、ＣＦ素子層１６は、カラーフィルター上に設けられたオーバーコート層（不図示）と、オーバーコート層上に設けられた共通電極（不図示）と、共通電極上に設けられた配向膜（不図示）とを備えている。 Further, a CF element layer 16 is formed on the plastic substrate 15 of the CF substrate 3. Here, the CF element layer 16 is provided between each colored layer and a plurality of colored layers (not shown) colored in red, green, or blue, corresponding to each pixel electrode on the TFT substrate 2. And a color filter composed of a black matrix (not shown). The CF element layer 16 includes an overcoat layer (not shown) provided on the color filter, a common electrode (not shown) provided on the overcoat layer, and an alignment film (not shown) provided on the common electrode. (Not shown).
　なお、プラスチック基板１１，１５の厚みとしては、３μｍ以上が好ましい。これは、厚みが３μｍ未満の場合は、十分な機械的強度が得られない場合があるからである。 The thickness of the plastic substrates 11 and 15 is preferably 3 μm or more. This is because if the thickness is less than 3 μm, sufficient mechanical strength may not be obtained.
　液晶層４は、例えば、電気光学特性を有するネマチック液晶を含んでいる。 The liquid crystal layer 4 includes, for example, nematic liquid crystal having electro-optical characteristics.
　また、本実施形態の液晶表示装置１は、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置であり、図１に示すように、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａ上には、タッチパネル３４が設けられている。 Further, the liquid crystal display device 1 of the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display device with a resistive film type touch panel. As shown in FIG. 1, a touch panel is provided on the surface 3 a opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the CF substrate 3. 34 is provided.
　より具体的には、図１に示すように、ＣＦ基板３のプラスチック基板１５と、当該プラスチック基板１５に対向して設けられた可撓性を有するフィルム基板４０とが、空気層４１を介して配置されている。尚、フィルム基板４０は、ガラス基材やプラスチック基材であっても良い。 More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a plastic substrate 15 of the CF substrate 3 and a flexible film substrate 40 provided to face the plastic substrate 15 are interposed via an air layer 41. Has been placed. The film substrate 40 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.
　そして、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａ上には、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルを構成するタッチパネル用の導電膜４２が設けられている。また、フィルム基板４０の液晶層４側の表面４０ａ上には、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルを構成するタッチパネル用の導電膜４３が設けられている。 A conductive film 42 for a touch panel that constitutes a resistive film type touch panel is provided on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side. Further, a conductive film 43 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel is provided on the surface 40a of the film substrate 40 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
　また、外的要因によるフィルム基板４０の撓みにより、導電膜４２，４３が誤接触しないようにする目的で、導電膜４２と導電膜４３との間には、複数のドットスペーサ４４が狭持されている。 In addition, a plurality of dot spacers 44 are sandwiched between the conductive film 42 and the conductive film 43 in order to prevent the conductive films 42 and 43 from erroneously contacting due to the bending of the film substrate 40 due to external factors. ing.
　また、ＣＦ基板３とフィルム基板４０は、空気層４１に設けられた貼合材４５により貼り合わされる構成となっている。 Moreover, the CF substrate 3 and the film substrate 40 are configured to be bonded together by a bonding material 45 provided on the air layer 41.
　なお、本実施形態においては、図１に示すように、フィルム基板４０、導電膜４２，４３、及びドットスペーサ４４によりタッチパネル３４が構成されている。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel 34 is configured by the film substrate 40, the conductive films 42 and 43, and the dot spacers 44.
　また、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層４側と反対側の表面上には、偏光板（不図示）が設けられている。また、同様に、タッチパネル３４の液晶層４と反対側の表面上には、偏光板（不図示）が設けられている。この偏光板は、入射光に対して、特定方向の偏光成分のみを透過させる機能を有する光学シートである。 Further, a polarizing plate (not shown) is provided on the surface of the TFT substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side. Similarly, a polarizing plate (not shown) is provided on the surface of the touch panel 34 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4. This polarizing plate is an optical sheet having a function of transmitting only a polarized light component in a specific direction with respect to incident light.
　そして、このような構成の抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルでは、偏光板を介してフィルム基板４０の表面が押圧されることにより、一対の導電膜４２，４３同士が接触（短絡）して、一対の導電膜４２，４３の間に電流が流れ、一対の導電膜４２，４３の間に電流が流れたときの電圧の変化（即ち、抵抗の変化）を検知することにより、押圧された位置を検出する構成となっている。 In the resistance film type touch panel having such a configuration, the surface of the film substrate 40 is pressed through the polarizing plate, so that the pair of conductive films 42 and 43 are in contact with each other (short-circuited), and the pair of conductive films By detecting a change in voltage (that is, a change in resistance) when a current flows between the films 42 and 43 and a current flows between the pair of conductive films 42 and 43, the pressed position is detected. It has a configuration.
　ここで、本実施形態においては、図１、図２に示すように、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層４側の表面２ａに、各画素１０の周囲を囲むことにより各画素１０を区画するとともに、液晶層４に向けて突出する隔壁２０が形成されている。そして、隔壁２０の高さは、フォトスペーサ６の高さ（即ち、液晶層４の厚み）よりも低い点に特徴がある。即ち、隔壁２０の高さをＨ１、フォトスペーサ６の高さをＨ２とした場合、Ｈ１＜Ｈ２の関係が成立する構成となっている。 Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each pixel 10 is partitioned by surrounding the periphery of each pixel 10 on the surface 2a on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the TFT substrate 2, and the liquid crystal A partition wall 20 protruding toward the layer 4 is formed. The height of the partition wall 20 is characterized in that it is lower than the height of the photo spacer 6 (that is, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 4). That is, the height H 1 of partition wall 20, if the height of the photo spacer 6 was H 2, has a configuration in which the relationship of H 1 <H 2 is established.
　このような構成により、指やペンなどでタッチされていない状態では、図１に示すように、隔壁２０がＣＦ基板３と接触せずに、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３との間に隙間が形成される。従って、液晶を注入する際に、各画素１０における液晶の注入量にバラツキが生じた場合であっても、フォトスペーサ６の高さに従ってセルギャップが均一となるように、液晶が流動することができるため、結果として、セルギャップの均一化を図ることが可能になる。 With such a configuration, when not touched with a finger or a pen, the partition wall 20 does not contact the CF substrate 3 and a gap is formed between the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 as shown in FIG. Is done. Accordingly, when liquid crystal is injected, the liquid crystal may flow so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the photo spacer 6 even when the amount of liquid crystal injected in each pixel 10 varies. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
　また、例えば、ペン３１を使用して、フィルム基板４０の表面をタッチした場合、液晶表示装置１にも圧力が加わり、ＣＦ基板３が変形するが、この際、図３に示すように、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３が接触するため、液晶の移動（流動）が防止され、タッチした部分の周辺における液晶の配向乱れの発生を防止することができる。その結果、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 For example, when the surface of the film substrate 40 is touched using the pen 31, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device 1 and the CF substrate 3 is deformed. At this time, as shown in FIG. Since 20 and the CF substrate 3 are in contact with each other, the movement (flow) of the liquid crystal is prevented, and the occurrence of the alignment disorder of the liquid crystal around the touched portion can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality around the touched portion.
　また、ＣＦ基板３がプラスチック基板１５を備えており、タッチパネルを指やペンなどでタッチした場合に、ＣＦ基板３が変形しやすい液晶表示装置１においても、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 Further, in the liquid crystal display device 1 in which the CF substrate 3 includes the plastic substrate 15 and the CF substrate 3 is easily deformed when the touch panel is touched with a finger or a pen, the display quality in the vicinity of the touched portion is deteriorated. Can be prevented.
　なお、隔壁２０は、上述のフォトスペーサ６と同様に、例えば、アクリル系の感光性樹脂により形成されている。 Note that the partition wall 20 is formed of, for example, an acrylic photosensitive resin, similarly to the photo spacer 6 described above.
　また、隔壁２０は、ＴＦＴ基板２において、各画素１０の周囲を囲むとともに、平面視において、ゲート線とソース線が設けられた領域（非表示領域）に、これらのゲート線及びソース線と重なるように設けられている。 The partition wall 20 surrounds the periphery of each pixel 10 in the TFT substrate 2 and overlaps with the gate line and the source line in a region (non-display region) where the gate line and the source line are provided in a plan view. It is provided as follows.
　次に、本実施形態のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の製造方法について一例を挙げて説明する。なお、本実施形態の製造方法は、ＴＦＴ基板作製工程、ＣＦ基板作製工程、導電膜形成工程、ＣＦ基板・フィルム基板貼り合わせ工程、及びＴＦＴ基板・ＣＦ基板貼り合わせ工程を備える。 Next, an example is given and demonstrated about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen of this embodiment. The manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a TFT substrate manufacturing process, a CF substrate manufacturing process, a conductive film forming process, a CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and a TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process.
　＜ＴＦＴ基板作製工程＞
　まず、例えば、プラスチック基板１１上に、ＴＦＴ及び画素電極等をパターニングして、表示領域Ｄを構成する表示素子層１２を形成する。 <TFT substrate manufacturing process>
First, for example, a display element layer 12 constituting the display region D is formed on the plastic substrate 11 by patterning TFTs, pixel electrodes, and the like.
　次いで、フォトリソグラフィー法によりフォトスペーサ６及び隔壁２０を同一の材料により同時に形成する。より具体的には、表示素子層１２が形成された基板全体に、スピンコート法により、アクリル系の感光性樹脂を塗布し、その塗布された感光性樹脂をフォトマスクを介して露光した後に、現像することにより、フォトスペーサ６を高さ（厚さ）４μｍ程度に形成するとともに、隔壁２０を高さ（厚さ）３μｍ程度に形成する。この際、各画素１０の周囲を囲むように隔壁２０が形成される。 Next, the photo spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 are simultaneously formed of the same material by a photolithography method. More specifically, an acrylic photosensitive resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the display element layer 12 is formed by spin coating, and the applied photosensitive resin is exposed through a photomask. By developing, the photo spacer 6 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 4 μm, and the partition wall 20 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 3 μm. At this time, the partition wall 20 is formed so as to surround each pixel 10.
　次いで、フォトスペーサ６が形成された基板全体に、印刷法によりポリイミド系樹脂を塗布し、その後、ラビング処理を行って、配向膜を厚さ１０００Å程度に形成する。 Next, a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the photospacers 6 are formed by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film with a thickness of about 1000 mm.
　以上のようにして、ＴＦＴ基板２を作製することができる。 The TFT substrate 2 can be manufactured as described above.
　＜ＣＦ基板作製工程＞
　まず、例えば、プラスチック基板１５上に、着色層及びブラックマトリクスを備えたカラーフィルタ、オーバーコート層、共通電極等をパターニングして、表示領域Ｄを構成するＣＦ素子層１６を形成する。その後、基板全体に、印刷法によりポリイミド樹脂を塗布し、その後、ラビング処理を行って、配向膜を形成することによりＣＦ基板３を作製する。 <CF substrate manufacturing process>
First, for example, a color filter including a colored layer and a black matrix, an overcoat layer, a common electrode, and the like are patterned on the plastic substrate 15 to form the CF element layer 16 constituting the display region D. Thereafter, a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film, thereby producing the CF substrate 3.
　なお、ブラックマトリクスは、Ｔａ（タンタル）、Ｃｒ（クロム）、Ｍｏ（モリブデン）、Ｎｉ（ニッケル）、Ｔｉ（チタン）、Ｃｕ（銅）、Ａｌ（アルミニウム）などの金属材料、カーボンなどの黒色顔料が分散された樹脂材料、または、各々、光透過性を有する複数色の着色層が積層された樹脂材料などにより形成される。 The black matrix is made of metal materials such as Ta (tantalum), Cr (chromium), Mo (molybdenum), Ni (nickel), Ti (titanium), Cu (copper), and Al (aluminum), and black pigments such as carbon. Are dispersed or a resin material in which a plurality of colored layers having light transmittance are laminated.
　＜導電膜形成工程＞
　ＣＦ基板３を作製後、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａ上に、例えば、銅やアルミニウム等の金属膜をスパッタリング法により成膜する。その後、フォトリソグラフィによりパターニングしてエッチングを施すことにより、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａ上に、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルを構成するタッチパネル用の導電膜４２を形成する。 <Conductive film formation process>
After producing the CF substrate 3, a metal film such as copper or aluminum is formed on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 by sputtering. Thereafter, patterning is performed by photolithography and etching is performed to form a conductive film 42 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel on the surface 3a of the CF substrate 3 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
　次いで、ポリプロピレンやポリエチレン、ポリエチレンテレフタレートなどの材料からなるフィルム基板４０を用意し、当該フィルム基板４０の液晶層４側の表面４０ａ上に、上述の導電膜４２の場合と同様に、例えば、銅やアルミニウム等の金属膜をスパッタリング法により成膜する。その後、フォトリソグラフィによりパターニングしてエッチングを施すことにより、フィルム基板４０の液晶層４側の表面４０ａ上に、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルを構成するタッチパネル用の導電膜４３を形成する。 Next, a film substrate 40 made of a material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate is prepared. On the surface 40a on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the film substrate 40, for example, copper or A metal film such as aluminum is formed by a sputtering method. Thereafter, patterning is performed by photolithography and etching is performed to form a conductive film 43 for a touch panel constituting a resistive film type touch panel on the surface 40a of the film substrate 40 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side.
　次いで、フォトリソグラフィ法によって、アクリル樹脂等の非導電性の樹脂材料からなるドットスペーサ４４をＣＦ基板３の表面上に形成する。 Next, dot spacers 44 made of a non-conductive resin material such as acrylic resin are formed on the surface of the CF substrate 3 by photolithography.
　＜ＣＦ基板・フィルム基板貼り合わせ工程＞
　まず、例えば、ディスペンサを用いて、ＣＦ基板３に、アクリル樹脂等によるスペーサー（不図示）を含有する樹脂材料により構成された貼合材４５を枠状に描画する。次いで、ＣＦ基板３とフィルム基板４０とを、貼合材４５を介して貼り合わせる。 <CF substrate / film substrate bonding process>
First, for example, using a dispenser, a bonding material 45 made of a resin material containing a spacer (not shown) made of acrylic resin or the like is drawn on the CF substrate 3 in a frame shape. Next, the CF substrate 3 and the film substrate 40 are bonded together via a bonding material 45.
　＜ＴＦＴ基板・ＣＦ基板貼り合わせ工程＞
　まず、例えば、ディスペンサを用いて、ＣＦ基板３に、紫外線硬化及び熱硬化併用型樹脂等により構成されたシール材５を枠状に描画する。 <TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process>
First, for example, using a dispenser, the sealing material 5 made of ultraviolet curing and thermosetting resin or the like is drawn on the CF substrate 3 in a frame shape.
　次いで、上記シール材５が描画されたＣＦ基板３におけるシール材５の内側の領域に液晶材料を滴下して注入する。 Next, a liquid crystal material is dropped and injected into a region inside the sealing material 5 in the CF substrate 3 on which the sealing material 5 is drawn.
　さらに、上記液晶材料が滴下されたＣＦ基板３とＴＦＴ基板２とを、減圧下で貼り合わせる。 Further, the CF substrate 3 onto which the liquid crystal material is dropped and the TFT substrate 2 are bonded together under reduced pressure.
　この際、上述のごとく、隔壁２０がＣＦ基板３と接触せずに、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３との間に隙間が形成されるため、各画素１０における液晶の注入量にバラツキが生じた場合であっても、フォトスペーサ６の高さに従ってセルギャップが均一となるように、液晶が流動し、セルギャップの均一化を図ることが可能になる。 At this time, as described above, since the partition wall 20 does not come into contact with the CF substrate 3 and a gap is formed between the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3, the liquid crystal injection amount in each pixel 10 varies. Even so, the liquid crystal flows so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the photo spacer 6, and the cell gap can be made uniform.
　次いで、その貼り合わせた貼合体を大気圧に開放することにより、その貼合体の表面及び裏面を加圧する。次いで、上記貼合体に挟持されたシール材５にＵＶ光を照射した後に、その貼合体を加熱することによりシール材５を硬化させる。 Next, the front and back surfaces of the bonded body are pressurized by releasing the bonded body to atmospheric pressure. Next, after irradiating the sealing material 5 sandwiched between the bonded bodies with UV light, the sealing material 5 is cured by heating the bonded body.
　そして、タッチパネル３４の液晶層４と反対側の表面上に偏光板を設けるとともに、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層４側と反対側の表面上に偏光板を設ける。以上により、図１に示すタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置１が製造される。 A polarizing plate is provided on the surface of the touch panel 34 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4, and a polarizing plate is provided on the surface of the TFT substrate 2 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4 side. Thus, the liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured.
　（第２の実施形態）
　次に、本発明の第２の実施形態について説明する。図４は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、図５は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置を示す断面図であり、ペンを使用して、タッチパネルの表面をタッチした状態を示す図である。なお、上記第１の実施形態と同様の構成部分については同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。 (Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state which used the pen and touched the surface of the touch panel. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
　本実施形態のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置３０は、上述のフォトスペーサ６の代わりに、ビーズスペーサ２５を使用している。そして、本実施形態においても、上述の第１の実施形態の場合と同様に、隔壁２０の高さは、ビーズスペーサ２５の高さ（即ち、液晶層４の厚み）よりも低い点に特徴がある。即ち、隔壁２０の高さをＨ１、ビーズスペーサ２５の高さをＨ３とした場合、Ｈ１＜Ｈ３の関係が成立する構成となっている。 The liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel according to this embodiment uses a bead spacer 25 instead of the photo spacer 6 described above. Also in this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the height of the partition wall 20 is lower than the height of the bead spacer 25 (that is, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 4). is there. That is, the height H 1 of partition wall 20, if the height of the bead spacers 25 was H 3, has a configuration in which the relationship of H 1 <H 3 is established.
　そして、この場合も、上述の第１の実施形態の場合と同様に、指やペンなどでタッチされていない状態では、隔壁２０がＣＦ基板３と接触せずに、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３との間に隙間が形成される。従って、液晶を注入する際に、各画素１０における液晶の注入量にバラツキが生じた場合であっても、ビーズスペーサ２５の高さに従ってセルギャップが均一となるように、液晶が流動することができるため、結果として、セルギャップの均一化を図ることが可能になる。 In this case as well, as in the case of the first embodiment described above, the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 are not in contact with the CF substrate 3 without being touched with a finger or a pen. A gap is formed between the two. Therefore, when liquid crystal is injected, the liquid crystal flows so that the cell gap becomes uniform according to the height of the bead spacer 25 even if the injection amount of the liquid crystal in each pixel 10 varies. As a result, the cell gap can be made uniform.
　また、上述の第１の実施形態の場合と同様に、ペン３１を使用して、フィルム基板４０の表面をタッチした場合、液晶表示装置１にも圧力が加わり、ＣＦ基板３が変形するが、この際、図５に示すように、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３が接触するため、液晶の移動（流動）が防止され、タッチした部分の周辺における液晶の配向乱れの発生を防止することができる。その結果、タッチした部分の周辺における表示品位の低下を防止することができる。 Similarly to the case of the first embodiment described above, when the pen 31 is used to touch the surface of the film substrate 40, pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display device 1 and the CF substrate 3 is deformed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, since the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 are in contact with each other, the movement (flow) of the liquid crystal is prevented, and the occurrence of alignment disorder of the liquid crystal around the touched portion can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality around the touched portion.
　なお、加圧によりＣＦ基板３が変形した場合であっても、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３が接触して、隔壁２０とＣＦ基板３との隙間がなくなるため、ビーズスペーサ２５が他の画素内へ移動することはない。 Even when the CF substrate 3 is deformed by pressurization, the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 come into contact with each other, and the gap between the partition wall 20 and the CF substrate 3 disappears, so that the bead spacer 25 is moved into another pixel. Never move.
　次に、本実施形態のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の製造方法について一例を挙げて説明する。なお、本実施形態のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の製造方法は、ＴＦＴ基板作製工程、ＣＦ基板作製工程、導電膜形成工程、ＣＦ基板・フィルム基板貼り合わせ工程、及びＴＦＴ基板・ＣＦ基板貼り合わせ工程を備えるが、ＣＦ基板作製工程、導電膜形成工程、ＣＦ基板・フィルム基板貼り合わせ工程、及びＴＦＴ基板・ＣＦ基板貼り合わせ工程については、上述の第１の実施形態と同様であるため、ここでは詳しい説明を省略する。 Next, an example is given and demonstrated about the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device with a touchscreen of this embodiment. In addition, the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of this embodiment includes a TFT substrate manufacturing process, a CF substrate manufacturing process, a conductive film forming process, a CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and a TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process. However, since the CF substrate manufacturing process, the conductive film forming process, the CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and the TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description is provided here. Description is omitted.
　＜ＴＦＴ基板作製工程＞
　まず、例えば、プラスチック基板１１上に、ＴＦＴ及び画素電極等をパターニングして、表示領域Ｄを構成する表示素子層１２を形成する。 <TFT substrate manufacturing process>
First, for example, a display element layer 12 constituting the display region D is formed on the plastic substrate 11 by patterning TFTs, pixel electrodes, and the like.
　次いで、フォトリソグラフィー法により隔壁２０を形成する。より具体的には、表示素子層１２が形成された基板全体に、スピンコート法により、アクリル系の感光性樹脂を塗布し、その塗布された感光性樹脂をフォトマスクを介して露光した後に、現像することにより、隔壁２０を高さ（厚さ）３μｍ程度に形成する。この際、各画素１０の周囲を囲むように隔壁２０が形成される。 Next, the partition wall 20 is formed by a photolithography method. More specifically, an acrylic photosensitive resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the display element layer 12 is formed by spin coating, and the applied photosensitive resin is exposed through a photomask. By developing, the partition wall 20 is formed with a height (thickness) of about 3 μm. At this time, the partition wall 20 is formed so as to surround each pixel 10.
　次いで、隔壁２０が形成された基板全体に、印刷法によりポリイミド系樹脂を塗布し、その後、ラビング処理を行って、配向膜を厚さ１０００Å程度に形成する。 Next, a polyimide resin is applied to the entire substrate on which the partition walls 20 are formed by a printing method, and then a rubbing process is performed to form an alignment film with a thickness of about 1000 mm.
　次いで、基板全体に、例えば、球状のシリカやプラスチック粒子を散布して、ビーズスペーサ２５を高さ（厚さ）４μｍ程度に形成する。 Next, for example, spherical silica or plastic particles are dispersed over the entire substrate to form a bead spacer 25 having a height (thickness) of about 4 μm.
　以上のようにして、ＴＦＴ基板２を作製することができる。 The TFT substrate 2 can be manufactured as described above.
　その後、上述の第１の実施形態において説明した、ＣＦ基板作製工程、導電膜形成工程、ＣＦ基板・フィルム基板貼り合わせ工程、及びＴＦＴ基板・ＣＦ基板貼り合わせ工程を行うことにより、図４に示すタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置３０が製造される。 After that, the CF substrate manufacturing process, the conductive film forming process, the CF substrate / film substrate bonding process, and the TFT substrate / CF substrate bonding process described in the first embodiment are performed, as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel is manufactured.
　なお、上記実施形態は以下のように変更しても良い。 Note that the above embodiment may be modified as follows.
　上記実施形態においては、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層４側の表面２ａに、隔壁２０を形成する構成としたが、図６に示すように、当該隔壁２０を、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側の表面３ｂに形成する構成としてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the partition 20 is formed on the surface 2a of the TFT substrate 2 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side. However, the partition 20 is formed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the CF substrate 3 as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure formed in the surface 3b.
　また、図７に示すように、隔壁２０の一部を、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層４側の表面２ａに形成するとともに、隔壁２０の一部を、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側の表面３ｂに形成する構成としてもよい。 Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a part of the partition wall 20 is formed on the surface 2a of the TFT substrate 2 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side, and a part of the partition wall 20 is formed on the surface 3b of the CF substrate 3 on the liquid crystal layer 4 side. It is good also as a structure formed in.
　このように、本発明においては、ＴＦＴ基板２の液晶層側の表面２ａ、及びＣＦ基板３の液晶層側の表面３ｂの少なくとも一方に、液晶層４に向けて突出する隔壁２０が設けられていれば、上述の第１及び第２の実施形態において説明した効果を得ることができる。 As described above, in the present invention, the partition wall 20 that protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided on at least one of the surface 2 a on the liquid crystal layer side of the TFT substrate 2 and the surface 3 b on the liquid crystal layer side of the CF substrate 3. If it does, the effect demonstrated in the above-mentioned 1st and 2nd embodiment can be acquired.
　また、上記実施形態においては、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルを使用する構成としたが、静電容量方式、赤外線方式、超音波方式、及び電磁誘導結合方式のタッチパネルを使用する構成としてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, a resistive film type touch panel is used. However, a capacitive type, infrared type, ultrasonic type, and electromagnetic inductive coupling type touch panel may be used.
　また、上記実施形態においては、プラスチック基板１１，１５を使用する構成としたが、これらのプラスチック基板１１，１５の代わりに、ガラス基板を使用する構成としてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the plastic substrates 11 and 15 are used. However, instead of the plastic substrates 11 and 15, a glass substrate may be used.
　また、上記実施形態においては、ＣＦ基板３の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａにタッチパネル用の導電膜４２を設ける構成としたが、液晶表示パネルとは別個に作製したタッチパネルを液晶表示パネル上に配置する構成としてもよい。 Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which provides the electrically conductive film 42 for touch panels in the surface 3a on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of CF board | substrate 3, the touch panel produced separately from the liquid crystal display panel is used as the liquid crystal display panel. It is good also as a structure arrange | positioned above.
　また、上記実施形態においては、タッチパネル３４の液晶層４側と反対側の表面上に、偏光板を設ける構成としたが、ＣＦ基板の液晶層４側と反対側の表面３ａ上に偏光板を設け、当該偏光板の表面にタッチパネルを設ける構成としてもよい。 Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which provides a polarizing plate on the surface on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the touchscreen 34, a polarizing plate is provided on the surface 3a on the opposite side to the liquid crystal layer 4 side of CF board | substrate. The touch panel may be provided on the surface of the polarizing plate.
　また、上記実施形態においては、フォトスペーサ６と隔壁２０とを同一の材料により形成する構成としたが、スペーサ６と隔壁２０とを異なる材料により形成する構成としてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the photo spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 are formed of the same material. However, the spacer 6 and the partition wall 20 may be formed of different materials.
　更に、隔壁２０の表面の一部に、フォトスペーサを設ける構成としてもよい。 Further, a photo spacer may be provided on a part of the surface of the partition wall 20.
　以上説明したように、本発明は、静電容量方式や抵抗膜方式のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置に、特に、有用である。 As described above, the present invention is particularly useful for a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel of a capacitance type or a resistance film type.
　１　　タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置
　２　　ＴＦＴ基板（第１基板）
　２ａ　　ＴＦＴ基板の液晶層側の表面
　３　　ＣＦ基板（第２基板）
　３ａ　　ＣＦ基板の液晶層側と反対側の表面
　４　　液晶層
　６　　フォトスペーサ（スペーサ）
　１０　　画素
　１１　　プラスチック基板
　１２　　表示素子層
　１５　　プラスチック基板
　１６　　ＣＦ素子層
　２０　　隔壁
　２５　　ビーズスペーサ（スペーサ）
　３０　　タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置
　３１　　ペン
　３４　　タッチパネル
　４０　　フィルム基板
　４０ａ　　フィルム基板の液晶層側の表面
　Ｄ　　表示領域 1 Liquid crystal display device with touch panel 2 TFT substrate (first substrate)
2a TFT substrate surface on the liquid crystal layer side 3 CF substrate (second substrate)
3a CF substrate surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer side 4 Liquid crystal layer 6 Photo spacer (spacer)
10 pixels 11 plastic substrate 12 display element layer 15 plastic substrate 16 CF element layer 20 partition wall 25 bead spacer (spacer)
30 Liquid crystal display device with touch panel 31 Pen 34 Touch panel 40 Film substrate 40a Surface on the liquid crystal layer side of the film substrate D Display area

Claims (7)

  1. 　第１基板と、
    　前記第１基板に対向して配置された第２基板と、
    　前記第１基板と前記第２基板との間に設けられた液晶層と、
    　前記第１基板と前記第２基板との間に狭持され、前記液晶層の厚みを規制するスペーサと、
    　前記第２基板の前記液晶層側と反対側の表面上に設けられたタッチパネルと、
    　画素を有する表示領域と
    　を備えるタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置であって、
    　前記第１基板の液晶層側の表面、及び前記第２基板の液晶層側の表面の少なくとも一方に、前記画素を区画し、前記液晶層に向けて突出する隔壁が設けられており、該隔壁の高さは、前記スペーサの高さよりも低いことを特徴とするタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。     A first substrate;
    A second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate;
    A liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate;
    A spacer that is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate and regulates the thickness of the liquid crystal layer;
    A touch panel provided on the surface of the second substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer;
    A liquid crystal display device with a touch panel comprising: a display area having pixels;
    A partition that divides the pixels and protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer is provided on at least one of the surface of the first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side and the surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. The height of is lower than the height of the spacer, A liquid crystal display device with a touch panel.
  2. 　前記第２基板が、プラスチック基板を備えることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate includes a plastic substrate.
  3. 　前記プラスチック基板の厚みが、３μｍ以上であることを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plastic substrate has a thickness of 3 µm or more.
  4. 　前記隔壁が、感光性樹脂により形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１～請求項３のいずれか１項に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the partition walls are made of a photosensitive resin.
  5. 　前記スペーサが、柱状スペーサであることを特徴とする請求項１～請求項４のいずれか１項に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer is a columnar spacer.
  6. 　前記スペーサが、ビーズスペーサであることを特徴とする請求項１～請求項４のいずれか１項に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer is a bead spacer.
  7. 　前記タッチパネルが、抵抗膜方式のタッチパネルであることを特徴とする請求項１～請求項６のいずれか１項に記載のタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置。 The liquid crystal display device with a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the touch panel is a resistive film type touch panel.
PCT/JP2011/006762 2010-12-10 2011-12-02 Liquid crystal display device with touch panel WO2012077318A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0990372A (en) * 1995-09-26 1997-04-04 Toshiba Corp Liquid crystal display element and its production
JPH112808A (en) * 1997-06-10 1999-01-06 Toppan Printing Co Ltd Liquid crystal display device
JP2004294929A (en) * 2003-03-27 2004-10-21 Kyocera Corp Liquid crystal display device and touch-panel integrated with liquid crystal display device
JP2006201218A (en) * 2005-01-18 2006-08-03 Seiko Epson Corp Electro-optical apparatus, manufacturing method for the same and electronic equipment

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0990372A (en) * 1995-09-26 1997-04-04 Toshiba Corp Liquid crystal display element and its production
JPH112808A (en) * 1997-06-10 1999-01-06 Toppan Printing Co Ltd Liquid crystal display device
JP2004294929A (en) * 2003-03-27 2004-10-21 Kyocera Corp Liquid crystal display device and touch-panel integrated with liquid crystal display device
JP2006201218A (en) * 2005-01-18 2006-08-03 Seiko Epson Corp Electro-optical apparatus, manufacturing method for the same and electronic equipment

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