TW201337350A - Lengthy pattern alignment layer and lengthy pattern retardation film using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A main object of the present invention is to provide a lengthy pattern alignment layer which allows production of a pattern retardation film easily and by large amount. The present invention attains the object by providing a lengthy pattern alignment layer which is in lengthy shape and comprises an alignment layer containing a photo alignment material, wherein the alignment layer has a first alignment region to align in the predetermined direction a rodlike compound having reflective index anisotropy, and a second alignment region to align the rodlike compound in a direction different from the direction of the first alignment region.

Description

Long pattern alignment film and long pattern retardation film using the same

The present invention relates to an elongated pattern alignment film which can easily and largely produce a pattern retardation film.

As a flat panel display, the previous mainstream is a two-dimensional display. In recent years, flat panel displays capable of three-dimensional display have begun to attract attention, and some commercial ones exist. Moreover, there is a tendency in the future flat panel display to require three-dimensional display as its performance, thereby advancing research on a flat panel display capable of three-dimensional display in a wide range of fields.

When performing three-dimensional display on a flat panel display, it is usually necessary to individually display the right-eye image and the left-eye image to the viewer in some manner. As a method of individually displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image, for example, a passive method is known. The three-dimensional display mode of the passive mode as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing an example of a three-dimensional display in a passive mode. As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, first, the pixels constituting the flat panel display are divided into two types of pixels, a right-eye image display pixel and a left-eye image display pixel, in a pattern. The pixels display the image for the right eye, and the pixels of the other group display the image for the left eye. Further, the right-eye image and the left-eye image are converted into circularly polarized light having an orthogonal relationship with each other by using a linear polarizing plate and a pattern phase difference film in which a phase difference layer of a pattern corresponding to the division pattern of the pixel is formed. . Further, wearing the viewer The right-eye lens and the left-eye lens are circularly polarized glasses having mutually orthogonal circular polarizing lenses, so that the right-eye image passes only through the right-eye lens, and the left-eye image passes through only the left-eye lens. In this manner, by causing the image for the right eye to reach only the right eye, the image for the left eye is only reached to the left eye, and the three-dimensional display can be passive.

In the passive mode as described above, there is an advantage that a three-dimensional display can be easily realized by using the above-described pattern retardation film and corresponding circularly polarized glasses.

However, as described above, in the passive mode, it is necessary to use a pattern retardation film. However, the pattern phase difference film as described above has not been extensively researched and developed, and there is no known method as a standard technique. In this respect, Patent Document 1 discloses a pattern phase difference plate including a pattern retardation film: a photo alignment film whose alignment regulating force is controlled to a pattern on a glass substrate; and a phase difference layer. And formed on the photo-alignment film, and patterned in such a manner that the arrangement of the liquid crystal compounds corresponds to the pattern of the photo-alignment film. However, since the pattern phase difference plate disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above requires the use of a glass plate, it is expensive, and it is not possible to manufacture a large area in a large amount, and there is a disadvantage in practicality.

According to the above-mentioned situation, the pattern phase difference film having practicality is still in the research and development stage, and it is almost non-existent to be known as a general person, and as a result, there is a large amount of methods which are not available and are inexpensive and simple. Problems such as display devices that are manufactured and can display three-dimensional images.

[Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-49865

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide an elongated pattern alignment film which can easily and largely produce a pattern retardation film.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an elongated pattern alignment film characterized in that it is elongated and includes an alignment layer containing a photo alignment material, and the alignment layer includes: a first alignment region which has a refractive index The anisotropic rod-like compounds are arranged in a fixed direction; and the second alignment region is arranged such that the rod-like compounds are arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region.

According to the present invention, by including the first alignment region and the second alignment region, the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region having different arrangement directions of the rod-like compounds can be easily formed by applying the rod-like compound. Phase difference layer.

Further, by forming a strip shape, a long pattern retardation film capable of forming a large number of pattern retardation films can be easily formed. Moreover, by making it long, the degree of freedom of the manufacturing process can be made high.

In the invention, it is preferable that the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a stripe pattern that is parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Thereby, it is easy to make the pattern in which the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are formed correspond to the pattern in which the pixels are formed in the color filter or the like used in the display device. In addition, it is easy to carry out a large amount of the alignment layer which is wound in a roll shape, and it is conveyed while being conveyed, and the polarized ultraviolet ray is continuously conveyed while being conveyed continuously. Ground formation.

In the invention, it is preferable that the direction of the arrangement of the rod-like compounds in the first alignment region and the second alignment region differ by 90°. This is because when the retardation layer is formed on the pattern alignment film as described above, the refractive index can be maximized in the first retardation region and the second retardation region included in the retardation layer. The directions (the direction of the slow phase axis) become mutually orthogonal, and a person who can better manufacture the 3D display device can be realized.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the direction in which the rod-like compounds are arranged in the first alignment region and the second alignment region is 0° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal direction, or the first alignment region and the first The direction in which the rod-like compounds are aligned in the 2 alignment regions is 45° and 135° with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The reason for this is that, by the arrangement direction as described above, for example, a 3D liquid crystal display device which is preferably used in a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode can be realized.

The reason for this is that, by arranging the directions as described above, for example, it is preferably used for VA (Vertical Alignment) mode or IPS (In Plane Switching, a 3D liquid crystal display device.

In the present invention, it is preferred that a transparent film substrate is formed on the alignment layer. The reason for this is that the formation of the alignment layer can be facilitated.

In the present invention, it is preferred that an antireflection layer and/or an antiglare layer be formed on the opposite surface of the surface of the transparent film substrate on which the alignment layer is formed. The reason for this is that when a display device is manufactured, a pattern retardation film capable of obtaining a display device having good display quality can be formed.

The present invention provides a long pattern retardation film comprising: the elongated pattern alignment film; and a retardation layer formed on the alignment layer of the elongated pattern alignment film and having a refractive index An anisotropic stick compound.

According to the present invention, the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region having different arrangement directions of the rod-like compounds can be obtained by including the long pattern alignment film.

Therefore, the pattern phase difference film applicable to the three-dimensional display device can be easily and largely formed.

Further, by being elongated, the degree of freedom in the manufacturing process of the pattern retardation film can be made high.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference layer corresponds to λ/4 parts. Thereby, the linearly polarized light passing through the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region can be circularly polarized light having an orthogonal relationship with each other. Therefore, the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference layer is equivalent to λ/4 parts. Can make the invention The long pattern phase retardation film is more preferably used to manufacture a 3D display device.

In the present invention, it is preferable that an adhesive layer and a separator are sequentially formed on the retardation layer. The reason for this is that it is easy to bond with other members.

According to the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, the effect of easily producing a pattern retardation film in a large amount can be exhibited.

The present invention relates to a long pattern alignment film and a long pattern retardation film using the same.

Hereinafter, the long pattern alignment film and the long pattern retardation film of the present invention will be described in detail.

A. Long pattern alignment film

First, the long pattern alignment film of the present invention will be described.

The long pattern alignment film of the present invention is characterized in that it is elongated and includes an alignment layer containing a photoalignment material, and the alignment layer includes: a first alignment region which causes a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy Arranged in a fixed direction; and a second alignment region in which the rod-like compounds are arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region.

The long pattern alignment film of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 1 . Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 2, and Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a long-pattern retardation film of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2, the long pattern alignment film 10 of the present invention comprises: a long transparent film substrate 1; and an alignment layer 2 formed on the transparent film substrate 1 and having a long strip shape and containing a light alignment The alignment layer 2 includes: a first alignment region 2a that arranges the rod-like compounds in a fixed direction; and a second alignment region 2b that arranges the rod-like compounds in a direction different from the first alignment region 2a. .

Further, in this example, the first alignment region has an alignment regulating force for arranging the rod-like compounds in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction), and the second alignment region has a rod-like compound parallel to the longitudinal direction. Directional alignment of the direction of regulation. Further, each of the first alignment region 2a and the second alignment region 2b is formed in a strip shape having a width of W1 and W2 parallel to the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction).

Further, the term "long strip" refers to a geometrically rectangular parallelepiped or a shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped, in particular having a length much larger than the width and thickness, and a thickness much smaller than the length and width. For example, it means a shape which is a strip shape and is a length which can be wound into a roll shape. The length of the long-type retardation film as described above may be arbitrarily determined depending on the weight that can be set in the manufacturing apparatus, and specifically, the length is preferably in the range of 10 m or more. In the range of 50 m to 5000 m, it is preferably in the range of 100 m to 4000 m.

Further, the length is preferably 10 times or more with respect to the width, and more preferably in the range of 50 times to 5,000 times, particularly preferably in the range of 100 times to 4000 times. Moreover, the thickness is preferably in the range of 1/1000 times to 1/1000000 times the width. In particular, the specific alignment layer is preferably 0.01 μm to 1.0 μm, the retardation layer is preferably 0.5 μm to 2 μm, and the transparent film substrate is preferably in the range of 10 to 1000 μm. This is because it is excellent in handling properties and the like.

According to the present invention, by including the first alignment region and the second alignment region, the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region having different arrangement directions of the rod-like compounds can be easily formed by applying the rod-like compound. Phase difference layer.

Further, by using a rod-shaped compound continuously, it is possible to form an elongated pattern retardation film capable of forming a large amount of a pattern retardation film in a long form. Moreover, the length of the manufacturing process of the long-pattern retardation film can be made high by the strip shape, for example, it can be stored in a roll shape, or can be rolled out in a roll-like state to form a long shape. Pattern retardation film, etc.

The elongated pattern alignment film of the present invention comprises at least an alignment layer.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention will be described in detail.

Alignment layer

The alignment layer used in the present invention is elongated and contains a photo-alignment material.

Further, it is a function having a function of arranging rod-like compounds when a phase difference layer is formed. Further, the alignment layer used in the present invention is formed on the surface by patterning the first alignment region and the second alignment region, and the first phase difference region and the second phase in the phase difference layer are formed according to the pattern. The difference area is arranged in a pattern.

(1) The first alignment area and the second alignment area

Each of the first alignment region and the second alignment region formed in the alignment layer of the present invention has a function of arranging the rod-like compounds contained in the retardation layer in one direction, and the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a mutual direction. Not the same. Further, in the invention, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a pattern shape.

The pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the alignment layer in the present invention can be appropriately determined according to the use of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, and the like, and is not particularly limited. Examples of the pattern as described above include a strip pattern, a mosaic pattern, a zigzag arrangement pattern, and the like. In the invention, it is preferable that the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a stripe pattern parallel to each other. When the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the pattern as described above, for example, when a liquid crystal display device is manufactured using the pattern retardation film formed by the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, it is easy to form the liquid crystal display device. The pattern of the first alignment region and the second alignment region corresponds to a pattern in which a pixel is formed in a color filter used in a liquid crystal display device. Therefore, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a strip pattern parallel to each other, and the 3D liquid crystal display device can be easily manufactured using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention. In other words, the elongated pattern alignment film of the present invention can be preferably used for a 3D liquid crystal display device.

Further, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a strip pattern parallel to each other, and a plasma display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) is produced using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention. or In the case of an illuminating display device such as an FED (Field Emission Display), it is easy to form a pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed and a pixel in the illuminating display device in the illuminating display device. The pattern of the portion is in a correspondence relationship via the polarizing plate. Therefore, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a strip pattern parallel to each other, and the 3D light-emitting display device can be easily manufactured using the elongated pattern alignment film of the present invention. In other words, the long pattern alignment film of the present invention can be preferably used for a 3D light-emitting type display device. Further, a color filter may be used for the above-described light-emitting display device as needed.

In addition, as a specific example of the case where the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a strip pattern parallel to each other, for example, those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been described.

When the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a stripe pattern, the widths of the first alignment region and the second alignment region may be the same or different. However, in the present invention, it is preferable that the width of the first alignment region is the same as the width of the second alignment region. This is because, in the color filter used in the liquid crystal display device, the pixel portions including R, G, and B are usually formed to have the same width. Therefore, the width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is set. When the liquid crystal display device capable of three-dimensional display is produced by using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, it is easy to form the pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed and the liquid crystal display device. The pattern in which the pixel portion is formed in the color filter to be used becomes Corresponding to the relationship, as a result, the 3D liquid crystal display device can be easily manufactured using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention. Further, since the pixel portions used in the light-emitting display device are formed to have the same width, the long pattern alignment film of the present invention is used by setting the widths of the first alignment region and the second alignment region to the same width. When a light-emitting display device capable of three-dimensional display is produced, it is easy to associate the pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed with the pattern in which the pixel portion is formed in the light-emitting display device. As a result, the 3D light-emitting type display device can be easily manufactured using the elongated pattern alignment film of the present invention. When the stripe pattern of the color filter is aligned, it is preferable that the pattern of the first alignment region and the second alignment region and the stripe pattern of the color filter are associated with each other. The width.

The specific width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is appropriately determined according to the use of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention. For example, when the long pattern alignment film of the present invention is used to manufacture a liquid crystal display device capable of three-dimensional display, the width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is the color filter used in the liquid crystal display device. The manner in which the width of the pixel portion is formed in the light sheet is appropriately determined. As described above, the width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is not particularly limited, and is usually preferably in the range of 50 μm to 1000 μm, more preferably in the range of 100 μm to 600 μm.

Further, in the invention, the first alignment region and the second alignment region When the domain is formed in the above-described strip pattern, a black line for absorbing light may be provided between the first alignment region and the second alignment region. In this case, the width of the black line is not particularly limited, and is usually preferably in the range of 10 μm to 30 μm.

Further, as the region in which the black line as described above is formed, it may be an area having an alignment regulating force or an area having no alignment regulating force.

Furthermore, in the case where the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the strip pattern, the direction in which the strip pattern is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the direction in which the strip pattern is formed may be a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (long direction) of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, or may be an orthogonal direction, or may be an obliquely intersecting direction. . In the above aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the strip-shaped pattern is formed in a direction in which the strip shape is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the long pattern alignment film, that is, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in length. A strip pattern parallel to each other in the direction.

Thereby, it is easy to make the pattern in which the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are formed correspond to the pattern in which the pixels are formed in the color filter or the like used in the display device. In addition, the elongated alignment layer wound in a roll shape can be continuously conveyed while being rolled up, and the polarized ultraviolet rays are irradiated, and it is easy to form a large amount.

The alignment regulating force of the first alignment region and the second alignment region in the present invention, that is, the direction in which the rod-like compounds are arranged is different from each other. The one is not particularly limited, and is preferably 90° out of phase. The reason for this is that the first and second alignment regions having the alignment regulating force in which the directions in which the rod-like compounds are aligned are formed, that is, the refraction can be made in the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region. Since the direction in which the rate becomes the largest (the direction of the slow phase axis) is mutually orthogonal, it is possible to realize a display device which can be more preferably used for three-dimensional display.

In addition, the direction in which the phase difference is 90° is not particularly limited as long as the three-dimensional display can be accurately performed when the display device capable of three-dimensional display is formed using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, and generally, Preferably, it is in the range of 90 ° ± 3 °, and preferably in the range of about 90 ° ± 2 °, and preferably in the range of about 90 ° ± 1 °. The reason for this is that a high-performance display device capable of three-dimensional display can be produced.

As a specific example of the first alignment region and the second alignment region in which the directions in which the rod-like compounds are arranged to differ by 90° as described above, it is preferable to show the length of the alignment film with respect to the long pattern as shown in FIG. 2 described above. The direction is 90° (first alignment region 2a) and 0° (second alignment region 2a), or as illustrated in FIG. 3, 45° (first alignment region 2a) and 135° with respect to the longitudinal direction ( The direction of the second alignment area 2a). The reason for this is that, by the direction of 90° and 0°, for example, a three-dimensional liquid crystal display device which is preferably used for the TN mode can be manufactured. Further, by the direction of 45° and 135°, for example, a three-dimensional liquid crystal display device which is preferably used for the VA method or the IPS method can be used.

Furthermore, with respect to the symbols in FIG. 3, since it is the same member as that of FIG. Therefore, the description here is omitted. Further, the direction of the arrow in each of the alignment regions is a direction in which the rod-like compounds in the respective regions are aligned.

(2) Light alignment material

The optical alignment material used in the present invention means a material which exhibits an alignment regulating force by irradiation with polarized ultraviolet rays. Further, "alignment regulation force" means an interaction in which the following rod-like compounds are arranged.

The light alignment material as described above is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits the above-described alignment regulation force by irradiation of polarized light. The photoalignment material as described above can be roughly classified into a photoisomerization material which reversibly changes the alignment regulation force by changing the molecular shape by a cis-reversal change, and a photoreaction which changes the molecule itself by irradiation of the polarization. material. In the present invention, any of the above photoisomerization material and the above photoreactive material can be preferably used, but it is more preferred to use a photoreactive material. As described above, the photoreactive material exhibits an alignment regulation force by reacting the molecules by irradiation of polarized light, and thus the alignment regulation force can be expressed irreversibly. Therefore, the photoreactive material is superior in the temporal stability of the alignment regulating force.

The above photoreactive materials can be distinguished according to the type of reaction which occurs by polarized light irradiation. Specifically, it can be classified into a photodimerization type material which exhibits an alignment regulation force by photodimerization reaction, a photodecomposition type material which exhibits an alignment regulation force by photodecomposition reaction, and an optical alignment reaction to exhibit alignment A photo-bonding material that regulates the light, and a photodecomposition-bonding material that exhibits an alignment regulation force by a photodecomposition reaction and a photo-combination reaction. In the present invention In the above, any of the above photoreactive materials can be preferably used, and among them, a photodimerization type material is more preferably used from the viewpoints of stability and reactivity (sensitivity).

The photodimerization type material used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits an alignment regulating force by photodimerization reaction. In the present invention, the wavelength of the light dimerization reaction is preferably 280 nm or more, particularly preferably in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm, and more preferably in the range of 300 nm to 380 nm.

As the photodimerization type material as described above, cinnamate, coumarin, benzylidenebenzylamine, benzylidene acetophenone, diphenylacetylene, styrylpyridine, uracil may be exemplified. a polymer of quinolinone, maleimide or a stilbene acetic acid derivative. Among them, in the step, a polymer containing at least one of cinnamate or coumarin, a polymer containing cinnamate and coumarin is preferably used. Specific examples of the photodimerization type material as described above include, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hei 9-118717, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-506420, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-505561, and WO2010/150748. The compound described in the publication No. WO2011/1260195, WO2011/126021, and WO2011/126022.

As the cinnamate and coumarin in the present invention, those represented by the following formulas Ia and Ib are preferably used.

[Chemical 1]

In the above formula, A represents pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, pyridine-2,5-diyl, 2,5-threthiophenyl, 2,5-extended furyl, 1,4- or 2,6-extension A naphthyl group, or a cyclic, linear or branched alkyl residue represented as unsubstituted or 1 to 18 by fluorine, chlorine or a carbon atom (either unsubstituted or by fluorine or chlorine) The polysubstituted group may also be one or more substituted phenyl groups in which one or more non-contiguous -CH ₂ - groups are independently substituted by a group C.

In the above formula, B represents a hydrogen atom or represents a reaction with a second substance such as a polymer, oligomer, monomer, photoactive polymer, photoactive oligomer and/or photoactive monomer or surface or The basis of interaction.

In the above formula, C represents a group selected from -O-, -CO-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-, -CO-NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-O-, -O-CO-NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-NR ₁ -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, -O-CO-O- and -Si(CH _{3 2} -O-Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ - (R ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group).

In the above formula, D represents a group selected from -O-, -CO-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-, -CO-NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-O-, -O-CO-NR ₁ -, -NR ₁ -CO-NR ₁ -, -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, -O-CO-O- and -Si(CH ₃ a group, an aromatic group or an alicyclic group in _2- O-Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ - (R ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group).

In the above formula, S ₁ and S ₂ each independently represent a single bond or a spacer unit, for example, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms (which is unsubstituted or derived from fluorine or chlorine). One or more substitutions may be made, and one or more non-adjacent -CH ₂ - groups may be independently substituted by the group D, but the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other).

In the above formula, Q represents an oxygen atom or -NR ₁ - (R ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group).

In the above formula, X and Y each independently represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms (may be substituted by fluorine, and may be one or more alkyl groups which are not adjacent). The CH ₂ - group is substituted by -O-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and/or -CH=CH-).

Further, as the photodimerization type material as described above, specifically, it is commercially available from Rolic Co., Ltd. as ROP-103 (trade name) in WO08/031243 or WO08/130555.

Further, the light alignment material used in the present invention may be one having refractive index anisotropy. The reason for this is that a pattern alignment film produced by the production method of the present invention can be used as the case of using the photoalignment material as described above. Pattern retardation film.

In addition, as the light alignment material having the refractive index anisotropy as described above, specifically, those described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-82224 can be used.

Further, the optical alignment material used in the present invention may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

(3) Alignment layer

The alignment layer used in the present invention contains at least a photo-alignment material, and may contain other compounds as needed.

The other compounds described above are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the alignment regulating force of the alignment layer in the present invention. In the present invention, as the other compound as described above, a monomer or oligomer having one or more functional groups is preferably used. The reason for this is that, by including the monomer or the oligomer as described above, the alignment layer can be excellent in adhesion to the phase difference layer formed on the alignment layer and containing the rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. .

As the above monomer or oligomer used in the present invention, for example, a monofunctional monomer having an acrylate functional group (for example, reactive ethyl (meth) acrylate or ethyl (meth) acrylate may be used. Ester, styrene, methylstyrene, N-vinylpyrrolidone) and polyfunctional monomers (for example, polymethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, hexanediol (meth)acrylate, three B (polypropylene) glycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, diethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tri (meth) acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa (methyl) propyl Ethyl ester, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, isomeric poly(meth)acrylate (for example, iso-cyanide) Acid EO (Ethylene Oxide), or bisphenol hydrazine derivative (for example, bisphenoxyethanol hydrazine di(meth) acrylate, bisphenol quinone epoxide (methyl) Acrylate) or the like is used as a monomer or a mixture.

Further, the monomer or oligomer is preferably one which is solid at normal temperature (20 to 25 ° C). In this case, even when the film for forming an elongated alignment film in which the layer for forming an alignment layer is laminated on the transparent film substrate is stored in a state of being wound into a roll, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the transparent substrate from being stuck. It is attached to the layer forming layer to cause adhesion.

The content of the monomer or the oligomer in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the alignment regulating force of the alignment layer and exhibits desired adhesion, and is preferably relative to the above-mentioned optical alignment. The quality of the material is in the range of 0.01 to 3 times, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.05 to 1.5 times.

The thickness of the alignment layer in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits a desired alignment regulating force for a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy described below, and is usually preferably 0.01 μm. In the range of 1.0 μm, it is preferably in the range of 0.03 μm to 0.5 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.05 μm to 0.20 μm.

2. Long pattern alignment film

The elongated pattern alignment film of the present invention comprises at least an alignment layer, and usually comprises a transparent film substrate formed on the alignment layer. The reason is that A long-length transparent film substrate is prepared by applying a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer containing the photo-alignment material to the long transparent film substrate, and easily forming a strip-shaped alignment layer.

Further, in the present invention, other configurations may be employed as needed. Examples of the other configuration described above include, for example, an antiglare layer or an antireflection layer 5 formed on the opposite surface of the transparent film substrate 1 on which the surface of the alignment layer 2 is formed, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . Wait. The reason for this is that when a display device is manufactured, a pattern retardation film capable of obtaining a display device having good display quality can be formed.

Incidentally, since the symbols in FIG. 4 are the same as those in FIG. 1, the description herein is omitted.

(1) Transparent film substrate

The transparent film substrate used in the present invention has a function of supporting an alignment layer or the like and is formed into a long strip shape.

The transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has a lower phase difference. More specifically, the transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has an in-plane retardation value (Re value) in the range of 0 nm to 10 nm, more preferably in the range of 0 nm to 5 nm, and further preferably It is in the range of 0 nm to 3 nm. This is because when the in-plane retardation value of the transparent film substrate is larger than the above range, the display quality of the display device capable of displaying three-dimensional images formed using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention is deteriorated.

The transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has a transmittance in the visible light region of 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more. Here, the transparent film substrate The penetration rate can be measured by JIS K7361-1 (Testing Method of Total Transmittance of Plastic-Transparent Material).

The transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has a flexible material which can be wound into a roll shape and flexible.

As the flexible material as described above, a cellulose derivative can be exemplified. Ethylene polymer, cycloolefin polymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, polyarylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyfluorene, polyether oxime, amorphous poly Olefin, modified acrylic polymer, polystyrene, epoxy resin, polycarbonate, polyester, and the like. Among them, in the present invention, it is preferred to use a cellulose derivative. The reason for this is that the cellulose derivative is excellent in optical isotropic properties. Therefore, when a pattern retardation film is formed by using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, it is excellent in optical characteristics.

In the present invention, among the above cellulose derivatives, cellulose esters are preferably used, and among cellulose esters, deuterated celluloses are preferably used. The reason for this is that deuterated celluloses are widely used in the industry, and thus are advantageous in terms of availability.

The above-mentioned deuterated cellulose is preferably a lower fatty acid ester having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. The lower fatty acid ester may be a single lower fatty acid ester such as cellulose acetate, or may contain, for example, a plurality of fatty acid esters such as cellulose acetate butyrate or cellulose acetate propionate.

In the present invention, cellulose acetate can be particularly preferably used in the above lower fatty acid ester. As cellulose acetate, it is best to use an average degree of vinegar of 57.5%. ~62.5% (degree of substitution: 2.6~3.0) of cellulose triacetate. Here, the degree of acetification refers to the amount of bonded acetic acid per unit mass of cellulose. The degree of acetification can be determined by measurement and calculation of the degree of oxime in ASTM: D-817-91 (test method for cellulose acetate or the like). Further, the degree of vinegarization of the cellulose triacetate constituting the cellulose triacetate film can be obtained by removing the impurities such as the plasticizer contained in the film by the above method.

The thickness of the transparent film substrate used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is used for the use of the long pattern alignment film according to the present invention, and the self-supporting property required for the long pattern alignment film can be provided. Usually, it is preferably in the range of 25 μm to 125 μm, and preferably in the range of 40 μm to 100 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 60 μm to 80 μm. This is because if the thickness of the transparent film substrate is thinner than the above range, there is a case where the self-supporting property required for the long pattern alignment film of the present invention cannot be imparted. In addition, when the thickness is larger than the above range, for example, when the long pattern alignment film of the present invention is subjected to a cutting process to form a single-piece pattern retardation film, the amount of machining chips is increased, or the abrasion of the cutting blade is increased.

The configuration of the transparent film substrate used in the present invention is not limited to a configuration including a single layer, and may have a configuration in which a plurality of layers are laminated. In the case of a structure having a plurality of layers, it is possible to laminate layers having the same composition, or stack layers having different compositions.

The transparent film substrate used in the present invention is formed into a long strip, and the length or the like can be the same as that of the above alignment layer.

(2) Anti-glare layer and anti-reflection layer

In the present invention, by forming the antireflection layer as described above, when a liquid crystal display device is manufactured using the long pattern alignment film of the present invention, the liquid crystal display device having good display quality can be obtained. Further, the antireflection layer and the antiglare layer may be used alone or in combination.

The anti-glare layer has a function of reducing the reflection of a screen caused by reflection of external light from the sun or a fluorescent lamp or the like on a display screen of the display device. On the other hand, the antireflection layer has a function of suppressing the specular reflectance of the surface and increasing the contrast of the image, and as a result, improving the visibility of the image. The antiglare layer and the antireflection layer used in the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they have a desired antiglare function or antireflection function, and are used in a display device for the purpose of improving display image quality. Usually, a well-known person can be used. For example, the anti-reflection layer may be a resin layer in which fine particles are dispersed, and examples of the anti-reflection layer include those having a plurality of layers having different refractive indices. Further, if an antireflection layer is provided on the outermost surface of the antiglare layer, the visibility of the image in the bright room can be further improved.

3. Method for manufacturing long pattern alignment film

The method for producing the long pattern alignment film of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a method for stably producing an elongated pattern alignment film containing at least the above alignment layer, and a general alignment layer production method can be used.

In the present invention, it is preferable to include a preparation step and an exposure process as follows. In the above-mentioned preparation step, a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer containing a photo-alignment material is applied onto a long transparent film substrate to form an alignment film for forming an alignment layer containing an unaligned alignment layer. In the film, the exposure treatment includes: a first exposure treatment in which the film for forming an elongated alignment film is continuously conveyed, and the layer for forming the alignment layer is irradiated with polarized ultraviolet rays; and the second exposure treatment is performed by polarizing The polarizing ultraviolet ray having a direction different from that of the polarized ultraviolet ray irradiated in the first exposure process, and at least one of the first exposure process and the second exposure process is applied to the layer pattern for forming the alignment layer. The reason for this is that the growth pattern alignment film can be easily and continuously formed.

The method for producing the long pattern alignment film of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a view showing a step of an example of a method of producing the above-described long pattern alignment film. As illustrated in FIG. 5, first, a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer is formed on the transparent film substrate 1 (FIG. 5(a)), and a transparent film substrate 1 is formed and formed on the transparent film substrate 1 The film for forming the long alignment film forming layer 3 of the alignment layer forming layer 2' of the photo-alignment material is continuously transferred to the film for forming the alignment layer 2 through the mask. The pattern is irradiated with polarized ultraviolet rays (Fig. 5(b)) to form the first alignment region 2a, and then the polarized ultraviolet rays different from the polarized ultraviolet rays when the first alignment region 2a is formed are entirely irradiated (Fig. 5(c)). The second alignment region 2b in which the rod-like compound is aligned in the direction different from the first alignment region 2a is formed, and the elongated pattern alignment film 10 is obtained (Fig. 5(d)).

Furthermore, in this example, FIG. 5(a) is a preparation step. 5(b) to (c) are exposure steps, FIG. 5(b) is a first exposure process, and FIG. 5(c) is a second exposure process.

Moreover, an apparatus for manufacturing an elongated pattern alignment film used for forming the elongated pattern alignment film as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 and 7 are schematic views showing an example of a device for manufacturing a long pattern alignment film. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , the long pattern alignment film manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a conveying means including continuously conveying the transparent film substrate 1 to be unwound. The winding device 31a and the conveying roller 31b, and the exposure means, the first exposure portion 32a and the second exposure portion that irradiate the polarizing ultraviolet rays to the alignment layer forming layer of the long alignment film forming film 3 that is continuously conveyed 32b. In addition, the coating liquid application device 33a for forming an alignment layer and the drying device 33b for drying the coating film are formed by applying a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer on the transparent film substrate 1 to form an alignment layer forming layer.

Here, in FIG. 6, the first exposure unit 32a includes a light source 34 that irradiates ultraviolet rays orthogonal to the alignment layer forming layer, a polarizer 35, and a mask 36 having a pattern-shaped opening, and is used for transport. The film for forming the long alignment film on the roll is patterned. On the other hand, the second exposure unit 32b includes a polarizer 35 having a polarization axis different from that of the first exposure unit.

In addition, in FIG. 7, both the first exposure unit 32a and the second exposure unit 32b include the above-described mask 36, and the pattern on the layer for forming an alignment layer on the transport roller 31b is irradiated with polarized ultraviolet rays.

(1) Preparation steps

In the preparation step of the present invention, a film for forming an elongated alignment film comprising a transparent film substrate and a layer for forming an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate and containing a photo-alignment material is formed.

The method for forming the layer for forming an alignment layer containing the photo-alignment material in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it is a layer capable of forming an alignment layer-forming layer containing a photo-alignment material in a desired thickness. A method of applying a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer containing the above photo-alignment material onto a transparent film substrate.

The content of the photo-alignment material contained in the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer as described above is such that the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer can be made to have a desired viscosity in accordance with the coating method or the like. There is no particular limitation. In the present step, the content of the photoalignment material in the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer is 0.5% by mass to 50% by mass, preferably 1% by mass to 30% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass to 20% by mass. Within the range of mass %. The reason for this is that when the content of the photo-alignment material is more than the above range, it is difficult to form a layer for forming an alignment layer having excellent planarity depending on the coating method, and if it is thinner than the above range, the drying load of the solvent There is an increase, so there is a possibility that the coating speed cannot be made to a desired range.

The solvent to be used in the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the photo-alignment material or the like to a desired concentration. For example, a hydrocarbon solvent such as benzene or hexane can be exemplified. , methyl ethyl ketone, methyl iso a ketone solvent such as butyl ketone or cyclohexanone, an ether solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or propylene glycol monoethyl ether (PGME, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether), or a halogenated alkane solvent such as chloroform or dichloromethane. , an ester solvent such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, a guanamine solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, and an anthraquinone such as dimethyl hydrazine. The solvent is a cyclohexanone solvent such as cyclohexane, or an alcohol solvent such as methanol, ethanol or propanol, but is not limited thereto. Further, the solvent used in this step may be one type or a mixed solvent of two or more types of solvents.

The coating method of the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve a desired planarity. Specific examples of the coating method include a gravure coating method, a reverse coating method, a knife coating method, a dip coating method, a spray coating method, an air knife coating method, a spin coating method, a roll coating method, a printing method, and dipping. Lifting method, curtain coating method, die coating method, casting method, bar coating method, extrusion coating method, E-type coating method, and the like.

The thickness of the coating film for the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve a desired planarity, and is usually preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 50 μm. It is in the range of 0.5 μm to 30 μm, and preferably in the range of 0.5 μm to 10 μm.

The drying method of the coating film of the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer can be a drying method which is usually used, such as a heat drying method, a vacuum drying method, or a gap drying method. Moreover, the drying method in this step is not limited to a single method, and the drying method may be sequentially changed depending on, for example, the amount of the residual solvent. Several drying methods are used.

Further, as a method of drying the coating film of the coating liquid for forming an alignment layer, a method of blowing dry air adjusted to a fixed temperature to the coating film can be used, and when the drying method as described above is used, the above is carried out. The wind speed of the dry wind of the coating film is preferably 3 m/sec or less, and particularly preferably 0.5 m/sec or less.

The film for forming an elongated alignment film formed by the present step includes at least the transparent film substrate and the layer for forming an alignment layer, but the adhesion between the transparent film substrate and the layer for forming an alignment layer is improved and prevented. The component such as a plasticizer is transferred from the transparent film substrate to the barrier layer for transferring the photoalignment material contained in the layer for forming the alignment layer or the layer for forming the alignment layer to the transparent film substrate, and may also include an intermediate layer (for example, A layer having a thickness of about 1 μm obtained by curing a crosslinkable monomer such as pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA, Pentaerythritol Triacrylate).

(2) Exposure step

The exposure step in the present invention includes a first exposure treatment in which a film for forming an elongated alignment film is continuously conveyed, and the layer for forming the alignment layer is irradiated with polarized ultraviolet rays; and the second exposure treatment is performed by polarizing The polarizing ultraviolet ray having a direction different from that of the polarized ultraviolet ray irradiated in the first exposure process, and at least one of the first exposure process and the second exposure process is applied to the layer pattern for forming the alignment layer.

The method of transporting the film for forming an elongated alignment film in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it can continuously transport the film for forming an elongated alignment film. For the limitation, the method of using the general transportation means can be utilized. Specifically, a method of using a film-feeding film for forming an elongated film for forming an elongated film, and a winding machine for winding a film for forming an elongated alignment film or a film for a long pattern alignment film, and the like, using a belt conveyor Method of machine, transfer roller, etc. In addition, a method of using a suspension type transfer table in which a film for forming an elongated alignment film is suspended by being sprayed and sucked by air is used.

In addition, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a method of stably transporting the film for forming an elongated alignment film in a stable manner, and it is preferable to apply the predetermined film to the film for forming the film for forming an elongated alignment film. It is transported under tension. The reason for this is that it can be continuously transported more stably.

When it is disposed in a portion where the long alignment film forming film is irradiated with the polarized ultraviolet ray, the color of the transporting means used in the step is preferably such that the polarized ultraviolet ray which has penetrated the long aligning film forming film is not reflected. colour. Specifically, it is preferably black. As a method of setting black as mentioned above, the method of carrying out the chromium processing of the surface is mentioned, for example.

The shape of the transfer roller in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it is a film for forming an elongated alignment film, and is disposed in a portion where a film for forming a long alignment film is irradiated with polarized ultraviolet rays. In the case of the film for forming an alignment film for forming an elongated alignment film, the surface of the layer for forming an alignment layer and the exposure means are preferably kept constant. Usually, a perfect circular shape is preferable.

The polarization direction of the polarized ultraviolet light to be irradiated in the first exposure process and the second exposure process in the present step may be such that the first alignment region and the first alignment region 2 The orientation direction of the rod-shaped compound in the alignment region is the direction of polarization.

Specifically, when the light alignment material exhibits an alignment regulating force for arranging the rod-like compound in the direction of the polarization direction of the polarized ultraviolet light, the polarization direction of the first exposure treatment and the second exposure treatment can be applied. They are set to be the same as the direction in which the rod-like compounds are arranged.

The polarized ultraviolet ray to be irradiated in this step may be condensed or not condensed, but when the pattern is irradiated on the film for forming an elongated alignment film on the transfer roller as described below, In the case where a difference between the distance from the light source of the polarized ultraviolet light is generated in the region where the polarized ultraviolet light is irradiated, it is preferable to collect the light with respect to the transport direction. The reason for this is that the influence by the distance from the light source can be reduced, and the alignment region can be formed with good precision.

Further, as the concentrating method as described above, a method generally used, for example, a method of using a condensing reflector or a condensing lens having a desired shape can be mentioned. In the present invention, it is preferable that the polarized ultraviolet light is parallel to the direction orthogonal to the transport direction (width direction), and as a method of parallelization, a method generally used, for example, a method having a desired shape is used. A method of a light reflector or a concentrating lens.

The wavelength of the polarized ultraviolet light to be irradiated in this step is appropriately set according to the optical alignment material or the like, and may be a wavelength used when the general optical alignment material exhibits the alignment regulating force. Specifically, the wavelength is preferably used. Irradiation light of 210 nm to 380 nm, preferably 230 nm to 380 nm, and more preferably 250 nm to 380 nm.

As the light source of the ultraviolet light as described above, a low-pressure mercury lamp (sterilization lamp, fluorescent chemical lamp, black light lamp), a high-pressure discharge lamp (high-pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp), a short arc discharge lamp (ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, and the like) can be exemplified. Mercury xenon lamp). Among them, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, or the like can be preferably used.

The method of producing the polarized ultraviolet light to be irradiated in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it is a method of stably irradiating the polarized ultraviolet light, and a method of irradiating the ultraviolet light through the polarizer capable of passing only the polarized light in the fixed direction can be used.

As the polarizer as described above, a user who normally uses polarized light can be used, and for example, a wire-grid polarizer having a slit-shaped opening or a polarized plate using a stacked number of quartz plates can be used. The method or the method of performing polarization separation using the Brewster angle of the vapor-deposited multilayer film having a different refractive index.

The irradiation amount of the polarized ultraviolet light to be irradiated in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can form an alignment region having a desired alignment regulation force. For example, when the wavelength is 310 nm, it is preferably 5 mJ. In the range of /cm ² to 500 mJ/cm ² , preferably, it is in the range of 7 mJ/cm ² to 300 mJ/cm ² , and preferably in the range of 10 mJ/cm ² to 100 mJ/cm ² Inside. The reason for this is that an alignment region having a sufficient alignment regulating force can be formed.

The irradiation distance of the polarized ultraviolet ray in this step, that is, the distance in the transport direction of the film for forming the long alignment film by the polarized ultraviolet ray, only The amount of the irradiation to be applied to each exposure process is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the linear velocity or the like.

In this step, when the irradiation distance is short, there is an advantage that the pattern accuracy is high, and when the irradiation distance is long, it is sufficient even when the line speed is fast. The advantage of the alignment area of the alignment control force.

In addition, as a method of increasing the irradiation distance, the number of times of irradiation of the polarized ultraviolet rays in each exposure process may be several times, or the irradiation area may be enlarged in the conveyance direction.

As a method of irradiating the polarized ultraviolet rays in the first and second exposure treatments in the present step, at least one of the layers for aligning the layer for forming the alignment layer may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the direction in which the rod-like compounds are arranged may be different. The first and second alignment regions are not particularly limited, and specifically, the first exposure treatment is total irradiation, and the second exposure processing is pattern irradiation (first embodiment); the first exposure processing is The pattern irradiation and the second exposure treatment are total irradiation (second embodiment); the first exposure processing is pattern irradiation, and the second exposure processing is pattern irradiation (third embodiment). Here, in the case of the first embodiment, the first alignment region and the first alignment region can be formed by using a material capable of reversibly changing the alignment regulation force, such as a photoisomerization material. 2 alignment area. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the entire exposure process is performed as the first exposure process ( FIG. 8( a )), and then, as the second exposure process, the pattern is irradiated with a polarized ultraviolet light having a polarization direction different from that of the first exposure process. The line (Fig. 8(b)) can thereby form the first alignment region and the second alignment region (Fig. 8(c)).

Further, in the case of the second embodiment, the layer for forming an alignment layer can be formed by using a material containing a photodimerization type material such as a photoreactive material, such that it cannot reversibly change the alignment regulation force. 1 alignment area and 2nd alignment area. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the pattern irradiation is performed as the first exposure processing (FIG. 5(b)), and then, as the second exposure processing, the polarized ultraviolet rays having the polarization direction different from the first exposure processing are completely irradiated. (Fig. 5(c)), whereby the first alignment region and the second alignment region can be formed (Fig. 5(d)).

Further, in the case of the third embodiment, as the layer for forming an alignment layer, the first alignment region and the second alignment can be formed by using a material that reversibly changes the alignment regulation force or irreversibly changes the alignment regulation force. region. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , pattern irradiation is performed as the first exposure processing ( FIG. 9( a )), and then, as the second exposure processing, the area pattern different from the area irradiated in the first exposure processing is irradiated. The polarized light is different from the first exposure process (Fig. 9(b)), whereby the first alignment region and the second alignment region can be formed (Fig. 9(c)).

Incidentally, since the symbols in FIGS. 8 to 9 are the same as those in FIG. 1, the description herein is omitted.

In the present step, it is preferable that one of the first exposure treatment and the second exposure treatment is pattern illumination, and the other is full illumination, and particularly preferably, the first exposure processing is pattern illumination and the second exposure is the second embodiment. Processed for full exposure. its The reason is that the apparatus for performing the exposure step can be simplified by the other party, and the first alignment region and the second alignment region in which the rod-like compounds can be arranged in mutually different directions can be easily and inexpensively formed. Alignment area.

Further, since it is not necessary to perform pattern alignment in the first exposure processing and the second exposure processing, the first and second alignment regions having excellent pattern accuracy can be easily formed.

In addition, as a method of the second embodiment, a photoreactive material excellent in the temporal stability of the alignment regulating force as described above can be used as the material constituting the layer for forming an alignment layer.

The method of performing the pattern irradiation in the present step is not particularly limited as long as the polarized ultraviolet ray is irradiated with high precision, and it is preferable to perform the pattern irradiation on the transport means for transporting the film for forming the long alignment film. In other words, the exposure unit and the conveying means for pattern irradiation are disposed so as to pattern the film for forming the long alignment film on the conveying means, and it is preferable to convey the long alignment film of the portion irradiated with the pattern. The conveying means for forming the film is a conveying roller, that is, the patterning film is formed on the film for forming an elongated alignment film on the conveying roller. The reason for this is that the distance between the light source and the film for forming an elongated alignment film can be stably maintained, and the first alignment region and the second alignment which can arrange the rod-like compounds in mutually different directions can be accurately formed. region. Moreover, by using the transfer roller, the distance between the light source and the film for forming an elongated alignment film can be easily maintained stably.

In the case where the pattern irradiation in this step is performed so that the irradiation distance becomes long, specifically, the number of times of irradiation of the polarized ultraviolet rays in each exposure process is set to be several times, or the irradiation area is changed in the conveyance direction. The method of performing the pattern irradiation when the pattern is irradiated is not particularly limited as long as the pattern-oriented alignment region formed in each exposure process can be formed with high precision, and it is preferably carried out in each exposure process. The pattern irradiation is performed by the same conveyance means, that is, the exposure means and the conveyance means which irradiate the pattern of each exposure process, and the film for the formation of the long type alignment film on the same conveyance means. The reason for this is that the film for forming the long alignment film which is conveyed can be prevented from vibrating in the width direction during conveyance by the same conveyance means, and the polarized ultraviolet ray can be irradiated with high precision.

Specifically, when the number of times of irradiation of the pattern irradiation is several times, it is preferable that the pattern irradiation performed in each exposure process is performed on the same conveyance means, that is, the pattern irradiation is performed several times, and The exposure means and the conveyance means are disposed such that the pattern is irradiated on the same conveyance means several times during each exposure process. The reason for this is that the pattern irradiation is performed on the same conveyance means by the plurality of pattern irradiations performed in each exposure process, and the position of the pattern of the film for forming the long alignment film between the respective pattern illuminations included in the plurality of pattern irradiations is performed. It is easy to form, and the first alignment region and the second alignment region can be formed with high precision. Further, even when the amount of irradiation is insufficient in one-time pattern irradiation, it can be obtained by irradiating the same portion several times. The film for forming the long alignment film can be conveyed at a high speed with a sufficient amount of irradiation.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example in which a plurality of pattern irradiations are performed on the same conveyance means when a plurality of pattern irradiations are performed from the plurality of first exposure units 32a in the first exposure processing.

In addition, as the method of performing pattern irradiation when both the first exposure processing and the second exposure processing are pattern irradiation (third embodiment), the pattern processing of the two processing may be performed on different conveying means. Preferably, the pattern of the two processes is irradiated on the same transport means, that is, the long exposure of the first exposure unit and the second exposure unit on the same transport means by performing the first exposure process and the second exposure process The exposure means and the conveying means are disposed such that the film for film formation is subjected to pattern irradiation. This is because the pattern irradiation is performed on the same conveyance means, and the position of the pattern of the film for forming the long alignment film between the first and second exposure processes is easily aligned, and the pattern can be accurately performed. The first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed.

FIG. 11 is a view showing that the first exposure process and the second exposure process are performed by pattern irradiation of polarized ultraviolet rays from the first exposure unit 32a and the second exposure unit 32b, respectively, and the patterns of the two processes are irradiated on the same conveyance means. An illustration of an example.

In this step, in the case where both the first exposure treatment and the second exposure treatment are pattern irradiation as in the third embodiment, the patterns of the pattern irradiation of the first exposure treatment and the second exposure treatment may be 1st and 2nd alignment areas There is a region (non-irradiation region) that does not emit polarized ultraviolet rays.

Fig. 12 is a view showing a step of an example in the case of forming a non-irradiation area. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a mask including a light-shielding portion that illuminates a polarized ultraviolet ray is used in the two processes of the first exposure process and the second exposure process (FIG. 12(a) to (b)). As shown in FIG. 12(c), in a plan view, a non-irradiation region 2c (non-alignment region 2c) can be formed between the first alignment region and the second alignment region.

Further, in the non-irradiation region 2c, since the photo-alignment material is not irradiated with the polarized ultraviolet ray, the alignment-regulating force is a non-alignment region in which the alignment regulation force is not expressed. The rod-shaped compound having the refractive index anisotropy formed on the non-alignment region may be a buffer region in an unaligned state (the alignment direction of each rod-like compound molecule is irregularly distributed for each molecule). In other words, as illustrated in (d) of FIG. 12, the first alignment region 2a, the non-alignment region 2c, and the second alignment region 2b are sequentially included in the plan view, and the non-alignment region is included. When the retardation layer is formed on the alignment layer 2, the retardation layer 4 includes the first phase difference region 4a located immediately above the first alignment region 2a and the non-irradiation region 2c in a plan view. In the case of the product, there is a pattern in which the buffer region 4c which is the upper portion and the second phase difference region 4b which is located directly above the second alignment region 2b are sequentially repeated one or more times. The plan view of the phase difference layer is arranged such that a narrow band-shaped buffer region 4c is interposed between the first phase difference region 4a and the second phase difference region 4b. Furthermore, the above non-aligned regions (not illuminated) The width of the shot region 2c or the buffer region 4c can be set to about 0.1 μm to 10 μm. In the long pattern retardation film 20 obtained, when the plan view pattern of the phase difference layer 4 is a pattern in which the first phase difference region 4a, the buffer region 4c, and the second phase difference region 4b are sequentially repeated one or more times, Since the vicinity of the boundary line between the first phase difference region 4a and the second phase difference region 4b is an image of light that is unclear, the pixel repetition period and the first phase difference region 4a and the second phase difference region 4b are reduced. The embossing (striped pattern) generated by the repetition of the buffering of the period exerts an effect of not generating the embossing or even making the gradation lighter.

Incidentally, since the symbols in FIG. 12 are the same as those in FIG. 1, the description herein is omitted.

The method for forming the pattern in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it can illuminate the polarized ultraviolet ray in a desired pattern, and is usually disposed between the film for forming an elongated alignment film and the light source so as to be polarized. A method in which the ultraviolet rays penetrate only the mask of the opening portion in a desired pattern.

The material constituting the mask in the present step is not particularly limited as long as it can form a desired opening, and examples thereof include metal or quartz which is hardly deteriorated by ultraviolet rays. In the present step, among them, those obtained by vapor-depositing Cr in a pattern of synthetic quartz are preferred. The reason is that it is relative to temperature. It is excellent in dimensional stability such as humidity change, and can be used as an alignment layer forming layer, and an alignment region is formed with good pattern accuracy.

As a method of performing the overall irradiation in this step, as long as it is determinable In the case where the polarized ultraviolet ray is stably irradiated in the range, it is preferable to perform the above-described overall irradiation on the long alignment film forming film between the transfer means, and it is preferable to have a long alignment between the transfer rolls. The film for film formation is subjected to the above-described overall irradiation. The reason for this is that cost reduction can be achieved. Moreover, the degree of freedom in performing the timing of the exposure step is high.

In the present step, when the polarizing ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the layer for forming an alignment layer, it is preferred to adjust the temperature so that the temperature of the layer for forming the alignment layer is fixed. This is because the alignment region can be formed with high precision.

In the present step, it is preferred to carry out the temperature adjustment so that the layer for forming the alignment layer is in the range of 15 ° C to 90 ° C, and preferably it is in the range of 15 ° C to 60 ° C.

Moreover, as a method of temperature adjustment, the usual heating can be mentioned. A method of cooling a device such as a temperature adjustment device. Specifically, a method of using an air blowing device that can blow air at a predetermined temperature or a method of using a temperature-adjustable person as the above-described conveying means can be used, and more specifically, a temperature-adjustable conveying method can be used. A method such as a roll or a belt conveyor.

6. Use

The use of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention includes, for example, a pattern retardation film used in a three-dimensional display device. Among them, it can be preferably used for formation of a pattern retardation film which is required to be easily and mass-produced.

B. Long pattern retardation film

Next, the long pattern retardation film of the present invention will be described.

The long pattern retardation film of the present invention is characterized by comprising: the elongated pattern alignment film; and a retardation layer formed on the alignment layer of the elongated pattern alignment film and having an index anisotropy Rod compound.

The long pattern retardation film of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 15, Fig. 14 is a perspective view taken along line B-B of Fig. 15, and Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a long pattern retardation film of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the elongated pattern retardation film 20 of the present invention includes: the elongated pattern alignment film 10; and a retardation layer 4 formed in the elongated pattern alignment film 10. The alignment layer 2 contains a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. Further, the retardation layer 4 has the same pattern as the first alignment region 2a and the second alignment region 2b, and includes the first phase difference region 4a in which the rod-shaped compound is arranged along the alignment regulating force of the alignment regions and The second phase difference region 4b.

In addition, in FIG. 15, the description of the phase difference layer is abbreviate|omitted for easy description. Further, in this example, the first alignment region has an alignment regulating force for arranging the rod-like compounds in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the second alignment region has an alignment regulation for arranging the rod-like compounds in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. force.

According to the invention, it is possible to include the first retardation region and the second retardation region in which the arrangement direction of the rod-like compounds is different by including the long-type pattern alignment film.

Therefore, the pattern phase difference film applicable to the three-dimensional display device can be easily and largely formed.

Further, by being in the form of a strip, the degree of freedom in the manufacturing process of the pattern retardation film can be made high.

The long pattern retardation film of the present invention contains at least the above-described elongated pattern alignment film and retardation layer.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the long pattern retardation film of the present invention will be described in detail.

In addition, the above-mentioned long pattern alignment film is the same as that described in the item of "A. Long pattern alignment film", and the description herein is omitted.

Phase difference layer

The retardation layer in the present invention is formed on the alignment layer, and imparts phase difference to the long-pattern retardation film of the present invention by containing a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. Further, in the present invention, the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region in the phase difference layer of the present invention are formed by the alignment layer having the above-described pattern alignment film. The patterns of the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the same pattern, and the rod-like compounds are arranged in a direction along the alignment regulating force of each of the alignment regions.

The phase difference layer used in the present invention is a phase-difference property by containing a rod-like compound described below, and the degree of phase difference is determined depending on the type of the rod-like compound and the thickness of the retardation layer. Therefore, the thickness of the phase difference layer used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve a predetermined phase difference, and the long pattern retardation film according to the present invention can be used. It is determined as appropriate for the purpose of use. Further, in the phase difference layer of the present invention, the thicknesses of the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are substantially the same. Among them, the thickness of the phase difference layer in the present invention is preferably such that the in-plane retardation of the phase difference layer is in the range of λ/4 parts. According to the long pattern retardation film of the present invention, the linearly polarized light passing through the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region can be circularly polarized in an orthogonal relationship with each other. The long pattern retardation film of the invention is more preferably used for a 3D display device.

In the present invention, when the thickness of the phase difference layer is such that the in-plane retardation of the phase difference layer corresponds to a distance within a range of λ/4 parts, the specific distance is determined according to the following bar. The type of the compound is appropriately determined. However, in the case of the rod-like compound which is generally used in the present invention, the distance is usually in the range of 0.5 μm to 2 μm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Next, the rod-like compound contained in the phase difference layer will be described. The rod-like compound used in the present invention has a refractive index anisotropy. The rod-like compound contained in the retardation layer in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to impart a desired phase difference to the retardation layer of the present invention by regularly arranging them. Among them, the rod-like compound used in the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal material which exhibits liquid crystallinity. This is because the liquid crystal material has a large refractive index anisotropy, and therefore it is easy to impart desired phase difference to the long pattern retardation film of the present invention.

The liquid crystal material used in the present invention is, for example, a presentation orientation. The phase and stratification are equal to the material of the liquid crystal phase. In the present invention, a material exhibiting any of the liquid crystal phases can be preferably used, and among them, a liquid crystalline material exhibiting a nematic phase is preferably used. The reason for this is that the liquid crystalline material exhibiting the nematic phase is more easily arranged than the liquid crystalline material exhibiting other liquid crystal phases.

Further, in the present invention, as the liquid crystalline material exhibiting the nematic phase, a material having a spacer at both ends of the liquid crystal original is preferably used. The reason for this is that since the liquid crystal material having a spacer at both ends of the liquid crystal source is excellent in flexibility, the long pattern retardation film of the present invention can be excellent in transparency by using the liquid crystal material as described above. By.

Further, the rod-like compound used in the present invention is preferably used in a polymerizable functional group in the molecule, and among them, a polymerizable functional group having three-dimensional crosslinkability is more preferably used. The reason for this is that the rod-like compound has a polymerizable functional group, and the rod-like compound can be polymerized and fixed. Therefore, a phase difference layer which is excellent in array stability and which is less likely to cause phase difference with time can be obtained. In the case where a rod-like compound having a polymerizable functional group is used, the phase difference layer in the present invention contains a rod-like compound which is crosslinked by a polymerizable functional group.

In addition, the above-mentioned "three-dimensional cross-linking" means a state in which liquid crystal molecules are three-dimensionally polymerized to each other and have a network (mesh) structure.

Examples of the polymerizable functional group include a polymerizable functional group polymerized by an action of an ultraviolet ray, an electron beam, or the like, or an action of heat. Representative examples of the polymerizable functional groups include a radical polymerizable functional group or A cationically polymerizable functional group or the like. Further, a typical example of the radical polymerizable functional group is a functional group having at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond capable of undergoing addition polymerization, and specific examples thereof include ethylene having a substituent or having no substituent. A acrylate group (which is a general term including an acrylonitrile group, a methacryl fluorenyl group, an acryloxy group, a methacryloxy group), and the like. Moreover, as a specific example of the said cationically polymerizable functional group, an epoxy group etc. are mentioned. In addition, examples of the polymerizable functional group include an isocyanate group and an unsaturated triple bond. Among these, a functional group having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is preferably used in terms of a process.

Further, the rod-like compound in the present invention is a liquid crystal material exhibiting liquid crystallinity, and particularly preferably a polymerizable functional group at the terminal. The reason for this is that the liquid crystal material as described above can be formed into a network (mesh) structure by, for example, three-dimensional polymerization. Therefore, it is possible to form the above-described one which has excellent alignment properties and excellent optical properties.

Further, in the case of the present invention, when a liquid crystalline material having a polymerizable functional group at a single terminal is used, it is possible to crosslink with other molecules to stabilize the alignment.

Specific examples of the rod-like compound used in the present invention include compounds represented by the following formulas (1) to (17).

Furthermore, in the present invention, the rod-like compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. For example, when a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at both terminals and a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at a single terminal are used as the above-mentioned rod-like compound, both of them can be used. It is preferable that the blending ratio is arbitrarily adjusted in terms of polymerization density (crosslinking density) and optical characteristics. Further, from the viewpoint of reliability assurance, a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at both terminals is preferred, and from the viewpoint of liquid crystal alignment, it is preferred that the polymerizable functional groups at both terminals are one. .

2. Long pattern retardation film

(1) Other composition

The long pattern retardation film of the present invention contains at least the above-mentioned pattern alignment film and retardation layer, and may have other constitutions as needed. As an example of the other configuration as described above, for example, the adhesive layer 6 and the spacer 7 which are formed on the phase difference layer 3 as exemplified in FIG. 16 can be cited.

Further, as the adhesive layer and the separator in the present invention, a user of a general retardation film can be used.

(2) Long pattern retardation film

The retardation film of the present invention has a configuration in which a first phase difference region and a first phase difference region are formed in a pattern in a phase difference layer so as to correspond to a pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed. 2 phase difference area. Here, the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region have The degree of phase difference is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined according to the use of the long-pattern retardation film of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical range of the specific in-plane retardation expressed by the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted according to the use of the long-pattern retardation film. In the case where the long-type retardation film of the present invention is used for producing a 3D liquid crystal display device, it is preferable that the in-plane retardation value of the retardation layer is equivalent to λ/4 parts. More specifically, the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference layer is preferably in the range of 100 nm to 160 nm, more preferably in the range of 110 nm to 150 nm, and further preferably in the range of 120 nm to 140 nm. . Further, in the phase difference layer of the present invention, the in-plane retardation values expressed by the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are substantially the same except for the direction of the slow phase axis.

Here, the in-plane retardation value is an index indicating the degree of birefringence in the in-plane direction of the refractive index anisotropic body, and the refractive index in the retardation axis direction in which the refractive index is maximum in the in-plane direction is Nx. When the refractive index in the fast axis direction orthogonal to the slow axis direction is Ny and the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the refractive index anisotropy is d, it is determined by Re[nm]= (Nx-Ny)×d[nm]

The value shown. For the in-plane retardation value (Re value), for example, KOBRA-WR manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd. can be used and measured by the parallel polarizer rotation method, and the in-plane retardation value of the minute region can also be manufactured by AXOMETRICS (USA). AxoScan is measured using a Mueller matrix. Also, in this In the specification, the Re value means a value at a wavelength of 589 nm unless otherwise specified.

In addition, the pattern in which the first retardation region and the second retardation region are formed in the retardation layer of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined according to the use of the long-pattern retardation film of the present invention. Further, since the pattern in which the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are formed is the same as the pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the alignment layer, the first alignment region and the first alignment region are formed. The pattern of the 2 alignment regions is selected, and the pattern in which the first phase difference region and the low phase difference are formed is simultaneously determined.

Further, in the long pattern retardation film of the present invention, a pattern including a first phase difference region and a second phase difference region is formed in the phase difference layer, and a sample can be added by, for example, a polarizing plate orthogonal polarizer. When the sample is rotated, the inversion of the bright line and the dark line is confirmed to be evaluated. In this case, when the pattern including the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is fine, the observation may be performed by a polarizing microscope. Further, the direction (angle) of the slow phase axis in each pattern can also be measured by the AxoScan described above.

3. Method for manufacturing long pattern retardation film

The method for producing the long-pattern retardation film of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can stably produce a long-pattern retardation film in which the transparent film substrate, the alignment layer and the retardation layer are sequentially laminated. For the limitation, a general method for producing a retardation film can be used.

Specifically, the following method may be mentioned: the above-mentioned pattern alignment film The coating layer for forming a retardation layer containing a rod-like compound is applied onto the alignment layer, and the rod-like compound contained in the coating film is arranged along the alignment regulating force of the alignment region included in the alignment layer, if necessary The hardening treatment forms a phase difference layer.

Moreover, the apparatus for manufacturing a long pattern retardation film used for forming the long pattern retardation film of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. 17 and 18 are schematic views showing an example of a device for manufacturing a long pattern retardation film. As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the long-pattern retardation film producing apparatus 40 includes, in addition to the above-described elongated pattern alignment film manufacturing apparatus, a coating means 41 for forming an elongated pattern formed by the above-described manufacturing apparatus. A coating liquid for forming a retardation layer containing a rod-shaped compound having a refractive index anisotropy is applied onto an alignment layer of the alignment film 10, and an alignment means 42 is provided in the coating film of the coating liquid for forming the retardation layer. The rod-shaped compound is arranged along a different alignment direction of the first alignment region and the second alignment region included in the alignment layer, and the curing means 43 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to harden the rod-like compound to form a long pattern. Phase difference film 20.

The coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer in the present invention usually contains a rod-like compound and a solvent, and may contain other compounds as necessary. The solvent to be used in the coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the rod-like compound to a desired concentration and does not attack the transparent film substrate. Specifically, it can be set. It is the same as that described in the item "A. Long pattern alignment film" mentioned above.

The content of the rod-like compound in the coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer may be such that the coating layer for applying the phase difference layer is applied onto a transparent film substrate, or the phase difference layer. The viscosity of the coating liquid for forming is not particularly limited as long as it is within a desired value. In the present invention, the content of the rod-like compound is preferably in the range of 5 to 40% by mass in the coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer, and preferably 10 to 30% by mass. Within the scope.

Further, the other compound is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the alignment order of the rod-like compound in the retardation layer used in the present invention. The other compound used in the present invention may, for example, be a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, a surfactant, a decane coupling agent or the like.

In the case where the above polymerizable liquid crystal material is used as the rod-like compound in the present step, it is preferred to use a polymerization initiator or a polymerization inhibitor as the above other compound.

As the polymerization initiator used in the present invention, a diphenyl ketone compound or the like can be generally used. Further, in the case of using a polymerization initiator, a polymerization initiation aid may be used in combination. The polymerization initiation aid as described above may, for example, be a tertiary amine such as triethanolamine or methyldiethanolamine, or a benzene such as 2-dimethylaminoethyl benzoate or ethyl 4-dimethylguanamine benzoate. Formic acid derivatives, but are not limited to these.

a coating method for applying the coating liquid for forming a retardation layer on the transparent film substrate, and a coating film for the coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer. The drying method is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve a desired planarity, and can be the same as those described in the item "A. Long pattern alignment film".

In the present invention, the rod-like compound contained in the coating film of the coating liquid for forming a phase difference layer formed on the alignment layer is arranged along the alignment regulating force of the alignment region included in the alignment layer. The method is not particularly limited as long as it can be aligned in a desired direction, and a general method can be used. When the rod-like compound is a liquid crystalline material, the coating film is heated to a rod shape. A method in which the liquid crystal phase of the compound forms a temperature or higher.

In the case where a polymerizable material is used as the rod-like compound, the method of polymerizing the polymerizable material is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the type of the polymerizable functional group of the polymerizable material.

4. Use

The use of the long-pattern retardation film of the present invention includes, for example, a pattern retardation film used in a three-dimensional display device. Among them, it can be preferably used for formation of a pattern retardation film which is required to be easily and mass-produced.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above-described embodiments are exemplified, and those having substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention and exhibiting the same effects are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[Examples]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described by way of examples and comparative examples.

(Example 1)

The transparent fine particles were dispersed in a transparent resin and then coated on a TAC (cellulose triacetate) film (Fujitac manufactured by Fuji Film Co., Ltd.) having a thickness of 80 μm to obtain an AG having a haze value of 10 to 15 (Anti Glare, anti- a glare film (manufactured by Dainippon Printing Co., Ltd.), which is coated with a coating liquid containing PETA and a photopolymerization initiator on the opposite side of the AG surface of the AG film to cure UV (Ultraviolet) An intermediate layer (barrier layer) having a film thickness of 1 μm was formed, and was prepared as a roll-shaped raw material sheet having a width of 1 m and a length of 2000 m. The coating material for forming an alignment layer containing a photodimerization reaction type (trade name: ROP-103, manufactured by Rolic) as a photo-alignment material is applied to the intermediate layer side by using the apparatus shown in FIG. It was dried to form a layer for forming an alignment layer having a film thickness of 0.1 μm. Further, a polarizing ultraviolet ray that passes through the wire grid is irradiated through a mask obtained by forming a stripe pattern having a width of 500 μm on the synthetic quartz in a direction parallel to the direction in which the raw material sheet is conveyed, and the direction of the polarizing axis is 45 with respect to the film transport direction. The direction of the degree). Then, the polarized ultraviolet ray (the direction in which the polarizing axis is oriented at -45 degrees with respect to the transport direction of the film) is irradiated through the wire grid without passing through the mask, thereby obtaining an elongated pattern alignment film including the alignment layer.

Applying a liquid crystal dissolved in a solvent (Merck Co., Ltd. manufactured by Merck Co., Ltd. RMS03-013C (trade name)) to the alignment layer of the patterned long pattern alignment film, and drying it (liquid crystal alignment) And cooled to After curing at room temperature, ultraviolet curing was performed to form an elongated pattern retardation film having a retardation layer of 1 μm.

The obtained long pattern retardation film was observed by a polarizing plate orthogonal polarizer, and as a result, it was confirmed that the alignment layer was patterned according to the light and dark pattern.

(Example 2)

In the second polarized ultraviolet ray irradiation, the polarizer ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the mask in which the opening of the user and the light-shielding portion are exchanged during the first polarized ultraviolet ray irradiation, thereby forming an elongated type including the alignment layer. An elongated pattern retardation film was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the pattern alignment film was used. The long pattern retardation film obtained was observed by a polarizing plate orthogonal polarizer, and the same result was obtained.

(Example 3)

An elongated pattern retardation film was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the growth-type pattern retardation film was continuously formed from the raw material sheet, using the apparatus shown in FIG. The long pattern retardation film obtained was observed by a polarizing plate orthogonal polarizer, and the same result was obtained.

(Example 4)

Using the apparatus shown in Fig. 18, a growth type retardation film was continuously formed from the raw material sheet. Except for this, an elongated pattern retardation film was formed in the same manner as in Example 3. The long pattern retardation film obtained was observed by a polarizing plate orthogonal polarizer, and the same result was obtained.

1‧‧‧Transparent film substrate

2'‧‧‧Alignment layer formation layer

2‧‧‧Alignment layer

2a‧‧‧1st alignment area

2b‧‧‧2nd alignment area

2c‧‧‧non-aligned areas

3‧‧‧Long film for forming an alignment film

4‧‧‧ phase difference layer

4a‧‧‧1st phase difference zone

4b‧‧‧2nd phase difference zone

4c‧‧‧buffer area

5‧‧‧Anti-reflective layer or anti-glare layer

6‧‧‧Adhesive layer

7‧‧‧ spacer

10‧‧‧Long pattern alignment film

20‧‧‧Long pattern retardation film

30‧‧‧Long pattern alignment film manufacturing device

31a‧‧‧ rolled out. Winding device

31b‧‧‧Transport roller

32a‧‧‧1st exposure department

32b‧‧‧2nd exposure department

33a‧‧‧ Coating liquid coating device for forming an alignment layer

33b‧‧‧Drying device

34‧‧‧Light source

35‧‧‧ polarizer

36‧‧‧ mask

40‧‧‧Long pattern retardation film manufacturing device

41‧‧‧ Coating means

42‧‧‧ Alignment means

43‧‧‧ hardening means

W1‧‧‧Width

W2‧‧‧Width

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2.

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of an example of a method for producing a long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of a device for producing a long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing another example of the apparatus for manufacturing a long pattern alignment film of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining an exposure step used in the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining an exposure step used in the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an explanatory view for explaining an exposure step used in the present invention.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining an exposure step used in the present invention.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory view for explaining an exposure step used in the present invention.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 15.

Figure 14 is a perspective view taken along line B-B of Figure 15.

Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a long-pattern retardation film of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the long pattern retardation film of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a schematic view showing an example of a device for producing a long pattern retardation film of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a schematic view showing another example of the apparatus for manufacturing a long pattern retardation film of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing an example of a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying a three-dimensional image in a passive manner.

1‧‧‧Transparent film substrate

2‧‧‧Alignment layer

2a‧‧‧1st alignment area

2b‧‧‧2nd alignment area

10‧‧‧Long pattern alignment film

Claims (12)

An elongated pattern alignment film characterized in that it is elongated and includes an alignment layer containing a photoalignment material, and the alignment layer comprises: a first alignment region which causes a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy along And a second alignment region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region. The long pattern alignment film according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the alignment layer includes a non-alignment region between the first alignment region and the second alignment region in a plan view. The long pattern alignment film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a stripe pattern which is parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The long pattern alignment film according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds in the first alignment region and the second alignment region are arranged is different by 90°. The long pattern alignment film of the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds in the first alignment region and the second alignment region are aligned is 0° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal direction. The long pattern alignment film according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds in the first alignment region and the second alignment region are aligned is 45° and 135° in the longitudinal direction. The long pattern alignment film of claim 1, wherein a transparent film substrate is formed on the alignment layer. The long pattern alignment film according to the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the antireflection layer and/or the antiglare layer are formed on the opposite surface of the surface of the transparent film substrate on which the alignment layer is formed. An elongated pattern retardation film comprising: the long pattern alignment film according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a retardation layer formed on the long pattern alignment film It is on the alignment layer and contains a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. The long pattern retardation film according to the ninth aspect of the invention, wherein the alignment layer is configured to repeat the first alignment region, the non-alignment region, and the second alignment region one or more times in a plan view. In the plan view, the retardation layer includes a first phase difference region located directly above the first alignment region, a buffer region located directly above the non-alignment region, and a portion directly above the second alignment region. The second phase difference region is sequentially repeated one or more times. The long pattern retardation film of claim 9 or 10, wherein the in-plane retardation value of the retardation layer corresponds to λ/4 parts. Long pattern phase as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 A poor film in which an adhesive layer and a separator are sequentially formed on the retardation layer.