JP2012230263A - Retardation film, circularly polarizing plate for electroluminescent display device using the film, pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display, method for producing the film, and alignment layer used for the film - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retardation film with which a display device having excellent visibility can be formed.SOLUTION: The retardation film includes a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate, and a retardation layer formed on the alignment layer and containing a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. The alignment layer has a fine concavo-convex pattern on the surface and includes two or more aligning portions with different thicknesses corresponding to color patterns of a display device. The retardation layer includes retardation portions with different thicknesses corresponding to the aligning portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a retardation film capable of forming a display device having excellent visibility.

  Various types of displays have been put into practical use, and these displays are often applied by combining a phase layer with a linear polarizing plate. For example, a circularly polarizing plate that combines a linearly polarizing plate and a 1/4 wavelength phase difference plate, or a 1/2 wavelength phase difference plate, a 1/4 wavelength phase difference plate, and a linearly polarizing plate is used on the observation side of the electroluminescence display. By providing, the contrast of the display can be improved by preventing reflection of external light (Patent Document 1).

Conventionally, two-dimensional display has been mainstream, but in recent years, flat panel displays capable of three-dimensional display have begun to attract attention, and some of them are commercially available. Further, in future flat panel displays, it is a natural tendency to be capable of three-dimensional display, and flat panel displays capable of three-dimensional display are being studied in a wide range of fields.
In order to perform three-dimensional display on a flat panel display, it is usually necessary to display a right-eye video and a left-eye video separately to the viewer in some manner. As a method for separately displaying the right-eye video and the left-eye video, for example, a passive method is known. Such a passive three-dimensional display method will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a passive three-dimensional display. As shown in FIG. 23, in this method, first, the pixels constituting the flat panel display are divided into a plurality of types of pixels, that is, a right-eye video display pixel and a left-eye video display pixel. The pixel displays a right-eye image, and the other group of pixels displays a left-eye image. Also, using a linearly polarizing plate and a patterned retardation film on which a patterned retardation layer corresponding to the division pattern of the pixel is formed, a right-eye image and a left-eye image are orthogonal to each other. Convert to polarized light. In addition, the viewer wears circular polarizing glasses that employ circular polarizing lenses that are orthogonal to each other for the right-eye filter and the left-eye filter, so that the right-eye image passes only through the right-eye lens and the left-eye image is displayed. Pass only through the lens for the left eye. In this way, the passive system enables three-dimensional display by allowing the right-eye video to reach only the right eye and the left-eye video to reach only the left eye.
As such a pattern retardation film, a photo-alignment film whose alignment regulating force is controlled in a pattern shape on a glass substrate, and an alignment of a liquid crystal compound formed in the pattern of the photo-alignment film. What has a phase difference layer patterned so as to correspond is disclosed (patent document 2).

  However, a display device using such a retardation layer has a problem in that the function as described above cannot be exhibited depending on the type of color displayed on the display device, and the visibility becomes insufficient. It was.

JP 2009-283246 A JP 2005-49865 A

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and it aims at providing the retardation film which can form the display apparatus excellent in visibility.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention contains a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate, and a rod-shaped compound formed on the alignment layer and having refractive index anisotropy. And the alignment layer has a fine uneven shape on the surface, and further includes two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device, Provided is a retardation film, wherein the retardation layer includes a retardation portion having a thickness different from that of the orientation portion.

  According to the present invention, by having the retardation layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the respective colors displayed on the display device, the retardation corresponding to the respective colors can be exhibited. For this reason, it can be excellent in contrast, color reproducibility, etc., and excellent in visibility.

  In the present invention, the retardation film is preferably long. This is because the phase difference film can be manufactured with a high degree of freedom according to the size of the display device and the like, and the manufacturing process can have a high degree of freedom.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the pattern of the orientation portion is a strip shape parallel to each other.
This is because it is easy to make a correspondence relationship with each color pattern formed in the display device.

  The present invention includes the retardation film described above and a polarizing plate formed on the retardation film and including a polarizer, and the alignment direction of the rod-shaped compounds in the alignment portion included in the alignment layer is the same direction. And the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference portion corresponds to λ / 4 minutes of each color, which is an electroluminescent display (hereinafter simply referred to as EL). Provided is a circularly polarizing plate for an apparatus (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a circularly polarizing plate).

  According to the present invention, by having the retardation layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the respective colors displayed on the display device, the retardation corresponding to the respective colors can be exhibited. For this reason, it can be set as the EL display device excellent in contrast.

  The present invention includes the above-described retardation film, and the alignment layer includes a first alignment region in which the rod-shaped compound is aligned in a certain direction and a second alignment region in which the rod-shaped compound is aligned in a direction different from the first alignment region. A pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display (hereinafter, simply referred to as a pattern retardation film) may be provided.

  The present invention includes the above-described retardation film, wherein the alignment layer has a thick film region having a large thickness and a thin film region having a smaller thickness than the thick film region, and the thick film region and the thin film region are the same. Provided is a pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display, characterized in that the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a direction.

  According to the present invention, by having the retardation layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the respective colors displayed on the display device, the retardation corresponding to the respective colors can be exhibited. For this reason, it can be set as the three-dimensional display apparatus excellent in color reproducibility.

  The present invention is a method for producing the above-described retardation film, and a roll-shaped mold having a concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer, an alignment layer forming layer comprising an alignment layer forming resin composition, , And then pressurizing to form an uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold on the alignment layer forming layer, and curing the alignment layer forming layer after the forming step. A curing step and a peeling step for peeling the alignment layer forming layer from the roll mold to form an alignment layer, and a coating for applying a retardation layer forming coating solution containing the rod-shaped compound on the alignment layer And an alignment step of aligning the rod-shaped compound contained in the coating film of the retardation layer forming coating solution along the forming direction of the fine unevenness formed on the surface of the alignment portion. A method for producing a retardation film is provided.

According to the present invention, by using the roll-shaped mold, alignment layers including alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the colors displayed on the display device can be manufactured easily and in large quantities.
For this reason, the retardation film which has a phase difference layer containing the phase difference part from which thickness differs corresponding to the pattern of each color of the above display apparatuses can be manufactured easily and in large quantities.

  The present invention has a transparent film substrate and an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate, the alignment layer has a fine uneven shape on the surface, and further, a pattern of each color of the display device There is provided an alignment film characterized by having two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses.

  According to the present invention, for forming a retardation layer including a rod-shaped compound having refractive index anisotropy by having an alignment layer including alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to each color displayed on such a display device. By applying and orienting a coating liquid, a retardation film that exhibits retardation can be easily formed corresponding to each color.

  According to the retardation film of this invention, there exists an effect that the display apparatus excellent in visibility can be obtained.

It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the retardation film of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the EL display apparatus using the retardation film of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the orientation layer in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the fine uneven | corrugated shape in this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the circularly-polarizing plate for EL display apparatuses of this invention. It is the BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other example of the pattern phase difference film of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the thick film area | region and thin film area | region in this invention. It is process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the retardation film of this invention. It is process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the retardation film of this invention. It is process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the roll-shaped metal mold | die in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pressurization method in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the pressurization method in this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the orientation film of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the example of the liquid crystal display device which can display a three-dimensional image | video with a passive system.

The present invention relates to a retardation film, a circularly polarizing plate for an electroluminescent display device using the same, a pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display, a method for producing the same, and an alignment film used therefor.
Hereinafter, the retardation film, the circularly polarizing plate for an electroluminescent display device, the three-dimensional display pattern retardation film, the method for producing the retardation film, and the alignment film will be described in detail.

A. Retardation Film First, the retardation film of the present invention will be described.
The retardation film of the present invention includes a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate, and a retardation containing a rod-shaped compound formed on the alignment layer and having refractive index anisotropy. The alignment layer has a fine concavo-convex shape on the surface, and further includes two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device. The layer includes a phase difference portion having a thickness different from that of the orientation portion.

Such a retardation film of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the retardation film of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the transparent film base 1, the alignment layer 2 formed on the transparent film base 1, and the refractive index anisotropy formed on the alignment layer 2. A phase difference layer 3 containing a rod-shaped compound, the alignment layer 2 having a fine uneven shape on the surface, and two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to patterns of each color of the display device (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3), and the retardation layer 3 has different thicknesses corresponding to the orientation parts (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3). A phase difference portion (3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3) is included.
In this example, the retardation film of the present invention is used for a display device that displays three colors, and the alignment layer and the retardation layer have three levels of alignment portions and retardations having different thicknesses. The widths of the orientation part and the retardation part are w1, w2, and w3, respectively. Moreover, the fine uneven | corrugated shape of the surface of an orientation part is formed in the same direction. Further, in FIG. 2, the description of the retardation layer is omitted for easy explanation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of an EL display device using a circularly polarizing plate including the retardation film of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the EL display device includes an EL layer 25 having pixels of three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), the retardation film 10 and the retardation film of the present invention. 10 and a circularly polarizing plate 20 including a polarizing plate 22 made of a polarizer 21, and an alignment portion (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) included in the retardation film 10. ) And retardation portions (3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3) having different thicknesses corresponding to the orientation portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) This corresponds to the color pixels (R, G, B).
Note that the reference numerals in FIG. 3 indicate the same members as those in FIG. Moreover, in this example, the rod-shaped compounds contained in the retardation layer are arranged in the same direction due to the fine uneven shape on the surface of the alignment portion.

According to the present invention, by having a retardation layer with a different thickness corresponding to each color displayed on the display device, it exhibits appropriate retardation corresponding to each color, that is, corresponding to the wavelength of each color. It can be. For example, an inverse dispersion type retardation layer formed on each of the above-described orientation portions, wherein the retardation portion corresponding to a long wavelength color has a higher in-plane retardation value than the retardation portion corresponding to a short wavelength color, and It is easy to do and can exhibit the phase difference more suitable for each color. For this reason, it can be excellent in contrast, color reproducibility, etc., and excellent in visibility.
Further, the retardation layers having different thicknesses are formed on the alignment layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the colors displayed on the display device, so that the present invention can be applied regardless of the type of the display device. Can do. Further, by adjusting the thickness by the orientation portion included in the orientation layer, the surface opposite to the side in contact with the orientation layer of the retardation layer including the corresponding retardation portion is made flat. Can do. Also from such a thing, it can be made adaptable irrespective of the kind of display apparatus.
Furthermore, by using a roll-shaped mold as will be described later, it is possible to easily form alignment layers having different thicknesses. Therefore, a coating for forming a retardation layer containing the rod-shaped compound on such an alignment layer. By applying a liquid and orienting it along the orientation regulating force of the orientation layer to form a retardation layer, it can be easily manufactured and mass-produced.

The retardation film of the present invention includes at least a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer, and a retardation layer.
Hereinafter, each structure of the retardation film of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

1. Alignment layer The alignment layer in this invention contains two or more orientation parts.

(1) Orientation part The orientation part in this invention has fine uneven | corrugated shape on the surface, and thickness differs according to the pattern of each color of a display apparatus.
Moreover, each orientation part has the orientation control force which arranges the rod-shaped compound contained in the said retardation layer in a fixed direction, when forming a retardation layer.

(I) Shape of Orientation Part The thickness of the orientation part in the present invention differs depending on the pattern of each color of the display device.
The display device in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can display an image by combining two or more types of pixels that are the minimum display unit for displaying a specific color. For example, a liquid crystal display device, An EL display device and the like can be given.
Further, the pattern of each color of the display device refers to the arrangement of pixels that display a specific color, and the orientation portion corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device is a pattern of a specific color in plan view. The patterns overlap.
In addition, the thickness of the alignment portion in the present invention is different corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device. When the adjacent alignment portion corresponds to the pattern of different color, the adjacent alignment portion Will have different thicknesses.
Specifically, when used for a display device that displays red, green, and blue, an alignment portion that corresponds to a pattern that displays red, an alignment portion that corresponds to a pattern that displays green, and a pattern that displays blue Corresponding orientation portions have different thicknesses.

Such a thickness is not particularly limited as long as the thickness is different depending on the pattern of each color of the display device. In particular, the alignment portion corresponding to the long wavelength color has a short wavelength. It is preferable that the thickness is smaller than the orientation portion corresponding to. By adopting such a thickness, a phase difference portion corresponding to a color having a long wavelength has an in-plane retardation value higher than that of a phase difference portion corresponding to a color having a short wavelength. This is because a phase difference suitable for each color can be exhibited.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3 described above, for example, when used in a display device that displays red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors, red, green, The thickness of the alignment portion corresponding to blue is preferably increased in this order, and the thickness of the corresponding retardation portion is preferably decreased in this order.

The difference in the thickness of the alignment portion adjacent to the alignment portion in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is appropriately set depending on the use of the retardation film of the present invention. When the in-plane retardation value (Re) of the phase difference layer is λ / 4, the wavelengths of the colors displayed adjacent to each other are λ1 and λ2 (λ1> λ2) on the alignment layer (each alignment portion). When the refractive index anisotropy in the in-plane direction of the formed retardation layer (each retardation portion) is Δn, the difference in thickness is (λ1−λ2) × (1/4) × (1 / Δn). It is preferable to do.
For example, when the in-plane retardation value (Re) of the retardation layer is λ / 2, the difference in thickness is (λ1−λ2) × (1/2) × (1 / Δn). Is preferred.
More specifically, when the in-plane retardation value (Re) is λ / 4 or λ / 2 in the present invention, the difference in thickness is (λ1−λ2) × (1/4 (or 1 / 2)) × (1 / Δn) ± 200 nm (in the case of λ / 4) or 400 nm (in the case of λ / 2), preferably (λ1-λ2) × (1/4 (or 1 / 2)) × (1 / Δn) ± 100 nm (in the case of λ / 4) or 200 nm (in the case of λ / 2), preferably (λ1−λ2) × (1/4 (or 1 / 2)) × (1 / Δn) ± 50 nm (in the case of λ / 4) or 100 nm (in the case of λ / 2). It is because it can be made more excellent in visibility.

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. 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 anisotropic body is d,
Re [nm] = (Nx−Ny) × d [nm]
It is a value represented by. The in-plane retardation value (Re value) can be measured by, for example, KOBRA-WR manufactured by Oji Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd. by the parallel Nicol rotation method. It is also possible to measure using the Mueller matrix with AxoScan made by. In the present specification, unless otherwise stated, the Re value means a value at a wavelength of 589 nm.
The refractive index anisotropy Δn is a value represented by Nx−Ny, and is usually in the range of 0.05 to 0.3, more generally in the range of 0.1 to 0.15. Often.

The specific thickness difference between adjacent alignment portions in the present invention is appropriately determined depending on the type of rod-shaped compound used in the retardation layer described later and the in-plane retardation value of the desired retardation layer as described above. Will be.
However, if the distance is a rod-like compound generally used in the present invention, the adjacent colors are red (610 to 750 nm), green (500 to 560 nm), and blue (435 to 480 nm). When the in-plane retardation value is set to λ / 4 of each corresponding color, it is usually within the range of 0.01 μm to 0.03 μm between the alignment portion corresponding to red and the alignment portion corresponding to green. The orientation portion corresponding to green and the orientation portion corresponding to blue are in the range of 0.01 μm to 0.03 μm.

  The thickness of each orientation portion in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can stably form orientation portions having different thicknesses as described above, but is preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 50 μm. In particular, it is preferably in the range of 1 μm to 30 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 2 μm to 20 μm.

In addition, the difference between the thickness of the orientation part and the thickness of the orientation part adjacent to each other means the distance indicated by D1 and D2 in FIG. In the figure, D1 indicates the thickness of the thickest oriented portion, and D2 indicates the difference in thickness between the thickest oriented portion and the second thickest oriented portion. is there.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the difference between the thickness of the alignment portion and the thickness of the adjacent alignment portion means the thickness including the fine uneven shape on the surface.

  The pattern of the orientation portion in the present invention, that is, the pattern in plan view is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to the pattern of each color of the display device. Examples of such a pattern include a belt-like pattern, a mosaic pattern, and a staggered pattern. In particular, in the present invention, it is preferable that the pattern of each of the orientation portions is a strip shape parallel to each other, that is, each color pattern is a strip shape parallel to each other. This is because it is easy to make a correspondence relationship with each color pattern formed in the display device. Moreover, it is because it is easy to form each orientation part with a sufficient pattern precision.

  FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which have already been described are schematic views showing an example in which the orientation portions are formed in strip-like patterns parallel to each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the alignment layer 2 used in the present invention, it is preferable that the alignment portions are formed in a belt-like pattern parallel to each other.

When the alignment portion is formed in a strip pattern, the width of each alignment portion is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to the pattern of each color, and the width of each alignment portion is the same. May be different or different.
However, in the present invention, it is preferable that the widths of the orientation portions are the same. This is because it becomes easy to make a correspondence relationship with the pattern of each color, and as a result, it can be easily manufactured.

  The specific width of the alignment portion is not particularly limited as long as it can be correlated with the pattern of each color. A pixel portion of each color is formed in the display device. It is determined appropriately so as to correspond to the width. Thus, the width of the orientation portion is not particularly limited, but it is usually preferably in the range of 10 μm to 1000 μm, and more preferably in the range of 50 μm to 500 μm.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, when the orientation portion is formed in the belt-like pattern, the direction in which the belt-like pattern is formed is not particularly limited. For example, when the retardation film of the present invention has a long shape, the band-shaped pattern may be a direction in which the longitudinal direction of the band is parallel to the long direction of the retardation film, or a direction orthogonal thereto. It may also be a direction that crosses diagonally. Especially in this invention, it is preferable that the said strip | belt-shaped pattern is a direction where a strip | belt-shaped longitudinal direction becomes parallel to the elongate direction of retardation film. By forming a band-shaped pattern in such a direction, as shown in the method for producing a retardation film described later, it is possible to easily and in large quantities by a molding method using a roll mold. Because it becomes.

  The alignment portion used in the present invention may be formed so that each alignment portion is a separate body, but it is preferable that all the alignment portions are integrally formed. This is because, as shown in the method for producing a retardation film to be described later, it can be formed easily and in large quantities by a molding method using a roll mold.

(Ii) Fine uneven shape The orientation part in this invention has fine uneven shape on the surface.
Here, the fine concavo-convex shape is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit a desired alignment regulating force, but a striped line concavo-convex structure or a minute line concavo-convex structure is substantially used. Although it can be formed randomly in a certain direction, among others, it is preferable that a minute line-shaped uneven structure is randomly formed in a substantially constant direction. This is because the rod-like compound can be stably arranged in the formation direction of the concavo-convex structure due to such a line-like concavo-convex structure. In addition, since a minute line-shaped uneven structure is randomly formed in a substantially constant direction, for example, a roll-shaped mold used for forming the alignment layer is a surface-polished one in a certain direction. This is because the mold can be easily formed.

Here, the form in which the minute line-shaped uneven structure is formed in a discontinuous state at random in a substantially constant direction is, for example, a minute scratch formed when the surface is rubbed. This means that the straight line-shaped uneven structure is formed in a discontinuous state in a substantially constant direction.
The striped line-shaped uneven structure means an aspect in which convex portions formed in a wall shape are formed in a stripe shape at regular intervals. For example, it is formed when the surface is rubbed. Such irregular shapes such as minute scratches are not included in this.

  The cross-sectional shape of the fine line-shaped concavo-convex structure in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has a concavo-convex structure and the rod-shaped compound can be arranged in a predetermined direction. It can be a trapezoid or the like. Moreover, it may not be a fixed shape.

The height, width, and period of the minute line-shaped concavo-convex structure in the present invention are not particularly limited as long as the rod-shaped compound can be arranged. In the present invention, the width of the fine line-shaped uneven structure is preferably in the range of 1 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably in the range of 1 nm to 500 nm, and particularly in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm. More preferably.
The height of the fine line-shaped uneven structure is preferably in the range of 1 nm to 500 nm, more preferably in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm, and particularly in the range of 1 nm to 50 μm. Preferably there is.
Further, the period of the minute line-shaped uneven structure is not necessarily constant, but is preferably in the range of about 1 nm to 1000 nm, and more preferably in the range of 1 nm to 100 nm. This is because the liquid crystal compound can be stably arranged when the minute line-shaped uneven structure has the above-described size.

Here, the height, width, and period of the minute line-shaped concavo-convex structure mean distances indicated by l, m, and n in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the cross-sectional shape of the minute line-shaped uneven structure is rectangular.

(Iii) Constituent material The material constituting the orientation portion in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can form a desired fine uneven shape, but is not limited to ultraviolet curable resin, thermosetting resin, electron beam. Examples thereof include a curable resin. In the present invention, any of these constituent materials can be preferably used, but among them, it is preferable to use an ultraviolet curable resin. This is because by using the ultraviolet curable resin, the oriented portion in the present invention can be easily formed by a method for producing a retardation film as described later, and the productivity can be increased. When an ultraviolet curable resin is used as a constituent material, the alignment portion in the present invention is made of a cured ultraviolet curable resin.

  Specific examples of the ultraviolet curable resin used in the present invention include, for example, polymerizable oligomers and monomers having an acryloyl group such as urethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate, polyester acrylate, polyether acrylate, melamine acrylate, and acrylic acid, acrylamide, Acrylonitrile, polymerizable oligomers having a polymerizable vinyl group such as styrene, monomers and the like, or those added with additives such as sensitizers as needed, with addition of a photopolymerization initiator, etc. Can be mentioned.

(2) Alignment layer The alignment layer used in the present invention includes two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device. The rod-shaped compound may be composed of one alignment region (single alignment region) in which the alignment direction of the rod-shaped compound is the same in the entire surface, and the first alignment region and the first alignment region in which the rod-shaped compound is aligned in a certain direction A second alignment region arranged in a direction different from the one alignment region may be included, including a thick film region having a large thickness and a thin film region having a smaller thickness than the thick film region, and the thick film region and the thin film region. However, the rod-shaped compounds may be arranged in the same direction.

The alignment layer used in the present invention may have a black line that absorbs light between the alignment portions and / or alignment regions. In this case, the width of the black line is not particularly limited, but usually it is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 30 μm.
In addition, the region where such a black line is formed may be a region having an orientation regulating force or a region not having it.

  Examples of a method for forming an alignment layer used in the present invention, that is, a method for forming an alignment layer on the transparent film substrate include, for example, an alignment layer forming coating containing the above-described constituent materials on a transparent film substrate. A method of forming a fine concavo-convex shape on the surface of the film after forming a film made of a coating liquid for forming an alignment layer by applying the liquid and drying, and performing a curing treatment as necessary, or a transparent film Examples thereof include a method of transferring an alignment layer separately formed in advance on a substrate. As a specific method for forming the alignment layer, for example, a striped line-shaped unevenness or fine line-shaped unevenness is cut into a mold, an ultraviolet curable resin is applied thereon, and a transparent film is further formed thereon. Examples include a method in which a substrate is brought into close contact, an ultraviolet ray is irradiated to cure the ultraviolet curable resin, and then peeled off from a mold.

2. Retardation layer The retardation layer in the present invention contains a rod-shaped compound having a refractive index anisotropy formed on the alignment layer, and includes a retardation part having a thickness different from that of the alignment part. It is a waste.
The retardation layer imparts retardation to the retardation film by containing a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. Further, in the present invention, the alignment layer, that is, the alignment layer including two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses as described above is formed, so that the retardation layer in the present invention has the thickness of the alignment portion. Corresponding thickness retardation portions are formed in the same pattern as the pattern in which the orientation portions are formed, and rod-like compounds are arranged in a direction along the orientation regulating force of each orientation portion. is there.

(1) Retardation part The retardation part in this invention differs in thickness corresponding to the said orientation part.
The retardation part used in the present invention expresses retardation by containing a rod-shaped compound to be described later. The degree of retardation is determined by the type of the rod-shaped compound and the retardation part. It is determined depending on the thickness.
Therefore, the thickness of the retardation part used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range in which a predetermined retardation can be achieved, and is appropriately determined according to the use of the retardation film of the present invention. Is.

  The thickness of the retardation portion in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the desired retardation can be expressed, and is appropriately set according to the use of the retardation film of the present invention. Is. Specifically, the in-plane retardation of the phase difference portion, that is, the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference portion is within a range corresponding to λ / 4 minutes of each corresponding color, or corresponds to λ / 2 minutes. Within such a range, or within a range corresponding to λ / 4 + λ / 2 minutes, etc.

In the present invention, when the thickness of the phase difference portion is set to a distance within a range corresponding to λ / 4 of each color corresponding to the in-plane retardation, the specific distance is described later. It is appropriately determined depending on the kind of rod-shaped compound and the corresponding color. However, if the distance is a rod-like compound generally used in the present invention, the thickness is usually preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 1.9 μm, and in the range of 0.25 μm to 1.75 μm. More preferably, it is more preferably in the range of 0.5 μm to 1.5 μm.
In addition, when the distance is within a range corresponding to λ / 2 minutes, it is usually preferably within a range of 0.5 μm to 4 μm, more preferably within a range of 1 μm to 3 μm. More preferably, it is in the range of 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm.

  Next, the rod-shaped compound contained in the retardation layer will be described. The rod-shaped compound used in the present invention has refractive index anisotropy. The rod-shaped compound contained in the retardation portion in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can give desired retardation to the retardation portion in the present invention by arranging regularly. Especially, it is preferable that the rod-shaped compound used for this invention is a liquid crystalline material which shows liquid crystallinity. This is because the liquid crystalline material has a large refractive index anisotropy, so that it becomes easy to impart a desired retardation to the retardation film of the present invention.

  As said liquid crystalline material used for this invention, the material which shows liquid crystal phases, such as a nematic phase and a smectic phase, can be mentioned, for example. In the present invention, any material exhibiting any of these liquid crystal phases can be suitably used, but it is particularly preferable to use a liquid crystalline material exhibiting a nematic phase. This is because a liquid crystalline material exhibiting a nematic phase is easily arranged regularly as compared with liquid crystalline materials exhibiting other liquid crystal phases.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to use a material having spacers at both ends of the mesogen as the liquid crystalline material exhibiting the nematic phase. This is because the liquid crystalline material having spacers at both ends of the mesogen is excellent in flexibility, and the retardation film of the present invention can be made excellent in transparency by using such a liquid crystalline material.

  Furthermore, as the rod-shaped compound used in the present invention, those having a polymerizable functional group in the molecule are preferably used, and among them, those having a polymerizable functional group capable of three-dimensional crosslinking are more preferably used. Since the rod-shaped compound has a polymerizable functional group, the rod-shaped compound can be polymerized and fixed, so that a retardation layer having excellent alignment stability and hardly causing a change in retardation with time is obtained. Because you can. In addition, when the rod-shaped compound which has a polymerizable functional group is used, the phase difference layer in this invention contains the rod-shaped compound bridge | crosslinked by the polymerizable functional group.

  The “three-dimensional cross-linking” means that liquid crystal molecules are polymerized three-dimensionally to form a network (network) structure.

  Examples of the polymerizable functional group include polymerizable functional groups that are polymerized by the action of ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet rays and electron beams, or heat. Representative examples of these polymerizable functional groups include radically polymerizable functional groups or cationic polymerizable functional groups. Further, representative examples of radically polymerizable functional groups include functional groups having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated double bond, and specific examples include vinyl groups having or not having substituents, An acrylate group (generic name including an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, an acryloyloxy group, and a methacryloyloxy group) and the like can be given. Moreover, an epoxy group etc. are mentioned as a specific example of the said cation polymerizable functional group. In addition, examples of the polymerizable functional group include an isocyanate group and an unsaturated triple bond. Among these, from the viewpoint of the process, a functional group having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond is preferably used.

Furthermore, the rod-like compound in the present invention is a liquid crystalline material exhibiting liquid crystallinity and particularly preferably has a polymerizable functional group at the terminal. By using such a liquid crystal material, for example, they can be polymerized three-dimensionally to form a network structure, so that they have alignment stability and excellent optical properties. This is because the above can be formed.
In the present invention, even when a liquid crystalline material having a polymerizable functional group at one end is used, the alignment can be stabilized by crosslinking with other molecules.

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

  In the present invention, the rod-shaped compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more. For example, when the rod-shaped compound is used by mixing a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at both ends and a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at one end, The polymerization density (crosslinking density) and the optical properties are preferably adjusted by adjusting the ratio. Further, from the viewpoint of ensuring reliability, a liquid crystalline material having one or more polymerizable functional groups at both ends is preferable, but from the viewpoint of liquid crystal alignment, it is preferable that there is one polymerizable functional group at both ends. .

  In the present invention, the distance from the transparent film substrate on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the alignment portion of the retardation portion is preferably the same between adjacent retardation portions. It is because the surface shape of the retardation film of the present invention can be made flat and excellent in bonding properties with other members. Moreover, in this invention, it is because the orientation layer can absorb the thickness difference between the phase difference parts from which thickness differs because it has the orientation part from which thickness differs.

(2) Retardation layer The retardation layer used for this invention contains the retardation part from which thickness differs corresponding to the said orientation part.
Therefore, in the case where the alignment layer has one alignment portion having one thickness for one color and the alignment direction of the rod-shaped compounds is composed of one alignment region that is the same in the entire surface. The retardation layer is composed of one retardation region (single retardation region), and the alignment layer includes a first alignment region and a second alignment region, and a thick film region and a thin film region. In the case of having a plurality of alignment regions, such as those including a first retardation region and a second retardation region, and those having a low retardation region and a high retardation region, respectively. It has a phase difference region.

  The method for forming the retardation layer in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can form a retardation layer having a desired thickness with high accuracy. Usually, however, the retardation layer usually contains a rod-like compound on the alignment layer. It can manufacture by coating the coating liquid for phase difference layer formation, performing a hardening process as needed, and forming a phase difference layer.

3. Transparent film base material The transparent film base material used for this invention has a function which supports an orientation layer and a phase difference layer.

  The transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has a low retardation. More specifically, the transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has an in-plane retardation value in the range of 0 nm to 10 nm, more preferably in the range of 0 nm to 5 nm, and 0 nm. More preferably, it is in the range of ˜3 nm. This is because if the in-plane retardation value of the transparent film substrate is larger than the above range, the display quality of the display device may deteriorate.

  The transparent film substrate used in the present invention preferably has a transmittance in the visible light region of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. Here, the transmittance | permeability of a transparent film base material can be measured by JISK7361-1 (the test method of the total light transmittance of a plastic transparent material).

It is preferable that the transparent film base material used for this invention is a flexible material which has the flexibility which can be wound up in roll shape.
Such flexible materials include cellulose derivatives, norbornene polymers, cycloolefin polymers, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, polyarylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, amorphous polyolefin, modified acrylic polymer, polystyrene. And epoxy resins, polycarbonates, polyesters, and the like. Of these, cellulose derivatives are preferably used in the present invention. This is because the cellulose derivative is particularly excellent in optical isotropy, and therefore can be excellent in optical characteristics.

  In the present invention, among the above cellulose derivatives, it is preferable to use a cellulose ester, and among the cellulose esters, it is preferable to use a cellulose acylate. This is because cellulose acylates are advantageous in terms of availability because they are widely used industrially.

  As said cellulose acylates, C2-C4 lower fatty acid ester is preferable. The lower fatty acid ester may include only a single lower fatty acid ester such as cellulose acetate, and may include a plurality of fatty acid esters such as cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate. There may be.

  In the present invention, cellulose acetate can be particularly preferably used among the above lower fatty acid esters. As the cellulose acetate, it is most preferable to use triacetyl cellulose having an average acetylation degree of 57.5% to 62.5% (substitution degree: 2.6 to 3.0). Here, the degree of acetylation means the amount of bound acetic acid per unit mass of cellulose. The degree of acetylation can be determined by measurement and calculation of the degree of acetylation in ASTM: D-817-91 (test method for cellulose acetate and the like). In addition, the acetylation degree of the triacetyl cellulose which comprises a triacetyl cellulose film can be calculated | required by said method, after removing impurities, such as a plasticizer contained in a film.

  The thickness of the transparent film substrate used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the necessary self-supporting property can be imparted depending on the use of the retardation film of the present invention and the like, but is usually 25 μm to 125 μm. Within the range, the range of 40 μm to 100 μm is preferable, and the range of 60 μm to 80 μm is particularly preferable. It is because sufficient self-supporting property may not be provided when the thickness of the transparent film substrate is thinner than the above range. Further, when the thickness is thicker than the above range, for example, when a long retardation film is formed and then cut to form a single-wafer retardation film, processing waste increases or a cutting blade This is because there is a case where the wear of the metal becomes faster.

  The structure of the transparent film base material used for this invention is not restricted to the structure which consists of a single layer, You may have the structure by which the several layer was laminated | stacked. When it has the structure by which the several layer was laminated | stacked, the layer of the same composition may be laminated | stacked, and the several layer which has a different composition may be laminated | stacked.

4). Retardation film Although the retardation film used for this invention has the said transparent film base material, an orientation layer, and a retardation layer, it may have another structure as needed.

The retardation film of the present invention may be a single sheet, but is preferably long. This is because the phase difference film can be supplied with a high degree of freedom according to the size of the display device and the like, and the manufacturing process can have a high degree of freedom.
Here, the long shape means that the length is long enough to be wound up in a roll shape, and may be arbitrarily determined according to the weight that can be installed in the manufacturing apparatus. However, specifically, the length is preferably within a range of 10 m or more, more preferably within a range of 50 m to 5000 m, and particularly preferably within a range of 100 m to 4000 m.
Further, the length is preferably 10 times or more with respect to the width, particularly preferably within a range of 50 times to 5000 times, and particularly preferably within a range of 100 times to 4000 times. . It is because it can be made excellent in handleability and the like.

The degree of retardation of the retardation layer of the retardation film of the present invention can be appropriately determined according to the application of the present invention. Accordingly, the specific numerical range of the in-plane retardation indicated by the retardation layer is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted according to the application of the present invention. Among them, in the present invention, the in-plane retardation value of the retardation layer, that is, the in-plane retardation value of each retardation part included in the retardation layer corresponds to λ / 4 minutes, λ / 2 minutes of each color, Alternatively, in the case of a degree corresponding to λ / 4 + λ / 2, the in-plane retardation value of each retardation part included in the retardation layer is λ / 4 (or λ / 2, λ / 4 + λ / 2) ± 20 nm. In particular, λ / 4 (or λ / 2, λ / 4 + λ / 2) ± 10 nm is preferable, and in particular, λ / 4 (or λ / 2, λ / 4 + λ / 2) ± 5 nm is preferable.
This is because the retardation film of the present invention can exhibit a desired function more effectively in each application.

  Examples of the use of the retardation film of the present invention include a circularly polarizing plate for an electroluminescent display device of an electroluminescent display device, and a pattern retardation film for 3D display of a 3D display device. it can. In the present invention, it is preferably used for those requiring excellent visibility.

B. Next, the circularly polarizing plate for EL display device of the present invention will be described.
The circularly polarizing plate for an EL display device of the present invention includes the retardation film described above and a polarizing plate formed on the retardation film and including a polarizer. The arrangement direction of the rod-shaped compounds is the same direction, and the in-plane retardation value of the retardation portion corresponds to λ / 4 of each color.

  Such a circularly polarizing plate for an EL display device will be described with reference to the drawings. As already shown in FIG. 3, the circularly polarizing plate 20 for an EL display device of the present invention includes the above-described retardation film 10 and a polarizing plate 22 including a polarizer 21 formed on the retardation film 10. And the in-plane retardation value of the retardation part (3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3) corresponds to λ / 4 of each color, and the retardation part (3a 1, 3a-2, 3a-3) are arranged in the same direction.

  According to the present invention, by having the retardation layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the respective colors displayed on the display device, the retardation corresponding to the respective colors can be exhibited. For this reason, it can be excellent in contrast.

The circularly polarizing plate for an EL display device of the present invention has at least the above retardation film and a polarizer.
Hereinafter, each structure of the circularly-polarizing plate for EL display devices of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

1. Retardation film The retardation film used in the present invention is the one described in the above-mentioned section “A. Retardation film”, and the alignment direction of the rod-shaped compounds in the alignment part included in the alignment layer is the same direction. The rod-shaped compound contained in the retardation portion has the same direction of arrangement, that is, it has an orientation portion of one thickness for one color, and the arrangement direction of the rod-shaped compound is the entire surface. It consists of a single orientation region in the same direction. Further, the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference portion corresponds to λ / 4 of each color.
Since such a retardation film has the same contents as those described in the section “A. Retardation film”, description thereof is omitted here.

2. Polarizing plate The polarizing plate in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains at least a polarizer.

  Such a polarizing plate is not particularly limited as long as it contains at least a polarizer. For example, a polarizing plate and a polarizing plate protective film disposed on both sides of the polarizer are generally used. Is.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 which has already been described, it may be an embodiment in which the polarizer is composed only of the polarizer, and the polarizer is directly bonded to the retardation film, or as illustrated in FIG. The polarizing plate 21 may have a configuration in which the polarizing plate protective film 23 is bonded to both surfaces of the polarizer 21.
In FIG. 6, the polarizing plate 22 is bonded to the retardation film 10 via the adhesive layer 24.

  Moreover, as a formation place of the polarizing plate in this invention, as shown in FIG. 3 already demonstrated, the polarizing plate was bonded on the surface opposite to the surface in which the said orientation layer of the transparent film base material was formed. It may be pasted on the surface of the retardation layer opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer is formed.

(1) Polarizer The polarizer used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the transmitted light can be linearly polarized light, and is generally used for a polarizing plate for a liquid crystal display device. A well-known thing can be used as a polarizer. As such a polarizer, for example, a film made of polyvinyl alcohol is impregnated with iodine, and this is uniaxially stretched to form a complex of polyvinyl alcohol and iodine.

(2) Polarizing plate protective film The polarizing plate protective film used in the present invention has a function of preventing the polarizer from being exposed to moisture in the air, a function of preventing a change in the dimensions of the polarizer, and the like. If it has and has desired transparency, it will not specifically limit. Among them, the polarizing plate protective film used in the present invention preferably has a transmittance in the visible light region of 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.
Here, the transmittance of the polarizing plate protective film can be measured by JIS K7361-1 (a test method for the total light transmittance of a plastic-transparent material).

  Examples of the material constituting the polarizing plate protective film include cellulose derivatives, cycloolefin resins, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, polyarylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, amorphous polyolefin, and modified acrylic polymers. , Polystyrene, epoxy resin, polycarbonate, polyester and the like. In particular, in the present invention, it is preferable to use a cellulose derivative, a cycloolefin resin, or an acrylic resin as the material.

  The cellulose derivative is not particularly limited as long as the polarizer has a function of preventing the polarizer from being exposed to moisture in the air and the like and a function of preventing a change in the dimensions of the polarizer. Absent. In particular, in the present invention, it is preferable to use cellulose esters as the cellulose derivative, and it is preferable to use cellulose acylates among cellulose esters. This is because cellulose acylates are advantageous in terms of availability because they are widely used industrially.

  As said cellulose acylates, C2-C4 lower fatty acid ester is preferable. The lower fatty acid ester may include only a single lower fatty acid ester such as cellulose acetate, and may include a plurality of fatty acid esters such as cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate. There may be.

In the present invention, among the above-mentioned lower fatty acid esters, cellulose acetate can be particularly preferably used. As the cellulose acetate, it is most preferable to use triacetyl cellulose having an average acetylation degree of 57.5 to 62.5% (substitution degree: 2.6 to 3.0). This is because such triacetylcellulose is excellent in optical isotropy.
Here, the degree of acetylation means the amount of bound acetic acid per unit mass of cellulose. The degree of acetylation can be determined by measurement and calculation of the degree of acetylation in ASTM: D-817-91 (test method for cellulose acetate and the like). In addition, the acetylation degree of the triacetyl cellulose which comprises a triacetyl cellulose film can be calculated | required by said method, after removing impurities, such as a plasticizer contained in a film.

  In addition, conventionally, when using the film which consists of a cellulose derivative as a polarizing plate protective film, adhesiveness with the polarizer which consists of polyvinyl alcohol can be improved by saponifying the surface.

  On the other hand, the cycloolefin resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin having a monomer unit composed of a cyclic olefin (cycloolefin). Examples of such a monomer comprising a cyclic olefin include norbornene and polycyclic norbornene monomers. In addition, as the cycloolefin resin used in the present invention, either a cycloolefin polymer (COP) or a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) can be suitably used. The cycloolefin-based resin may be a homopolymer of a monomer composed of the cyclic olefin, or may be a copolymer.

In addition, the cycloolefin resin used in the present invention preferably has a saturated water absorption at 23 ° C. of 1% by mass or less, and in particular, has a range of 0.1% by mass to 0.7% by mass. preferable. This is because by using such a cycloolefin-based resin, it is possible to make the polarizing plate less susceptible to changes in optical properties and dimensions due to water absorption.
Here, the saturated water absorption is obtained by immersing in 23 ° C. water for 1 week according to ASTM D570 and measuring the increased weight.

  Specific examples of the polarizing plate protective film made of cycloolefin resin used in the present invention include Topas (registered trademark) manufactured by Ticona, Arton (registered trademark) manufactured by JSR, ZEONOR (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd., Examples thereof include ZEONEX (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd. and Apel (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals.

  In addition, the acrylic resin is not particularly limited. For example, poly (meth) acrylic acid ester such as polymethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, methyl methacrylate- (meth) acrylic acid. Ester copolymer, methyl methacrylate-acrylic acid ester- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, (meth) methyl acrylate-styrene copolymer (MS resin etc.), polymer having alicyclic hydrocarbon group ( Examples thereof include methyl methacrylate-cyclohexyl methacrylate copolymer and methyl methacrylate- (meth) acrylate norbornyl copolymer). Preferably, C1-6 alkyl poly (meth) acrylate such as poly (meth) acrylate, particularly preferably methyl methacrylate as a main component (50 to 100% by weight, preferably 70 to 100% by weight). A methyl methacrylate resin is mentioned.

  Specific examples of the polarizing plate protective film made of a cycloolefin resin used in the present invention include, for example, AKRIVIEWER (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co.

  The thickness of the polarizing plate protective film used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is usually preferably in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 15 μm to 150 μm, and further 30 μm to 100 μm. It is preferable to be within the range.

3. Circularly polarizing plate for EL display device The circularly polarizing plate for EL display device of the present invention includes the above-mentioned retardation film and polarizer, but may have other configurations as necessary.
The slow axis of the retardation film and the polarization axis of the polarizer are 45 ° ± 5 °, preferably 45 ° ± 3 °, more preferably 45 ° ± 1 °. preferable. This is because the function as an (elliptical) circularly polarizing plate appears.

C. 3D Display Pattern Retardation Film Next, the 3D display pattern retardation film of the present invention will be described.
The three-dimensional display pattern retardation film of the present invention has the above-described retardation film, and the alignment layer is different from the first alignment region and the first alignment region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a certain direction. An embodiment (first embodiment) including a second alignment region arranged in a direction, a thick film region having a large thickness, and a thin film region having a smaller thickness than the thick film region, and the thick film region and the thin film region are the same It can be divided into two modes: a mode (second mode) in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in the direction.
Hereinafter, the three-dimensional display pattern retardation film of the present invention will be described in each embodiment.

I. 1st aspect The pattern retardation film for three-dimensional displays of this aspect has the above-mentioned retardation film, and the orientation layer contained in the said retardation film arranges the said rod-shaped compound in a fixed direction. A second alignment region arranged in a direction different from the region and the first alignment region is included.

Such a pattern retardation film of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8, and FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pattern retardation film of this embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pattern retardation film 30 of this embodiment has the above-described retardation film 10, and the alignment layer 2 included in the retardation film 10 has an anisotropic refractive index. The first alignment region 12a in which the rod-shaped compounds having the property are arranged in a certain direction and the second alignment region 12b in which the rod-like compound is arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region 12a are included.
Further, in the alignment portions (2a′-1, 2a′-2, 2a′-3) included in the first alignment region 12a, fine uneven shapes for arranging rod-shaped compounds in a certain direction are formed, and the second alignment region 12b (2b'-1, 2b'-2, 2b'-3) has a fine uneven shape in which rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region. The retardation layer 3 has a first retardation region 13a and a second retardation region 13b containing rod-like compounds arranged in the arrangement direction of the rod-like compounds of the first alignment region 12a and the second alignment region 12b. Furthermore, the first retardation region 13a has a retardation portion (3a ′) having a different thickness corresponding to the orientation portions (2a′-1, 2a′-2, 2a′-3) included in the first orientation region 12a. -1, 3a′-2, 3a′-3), and the second retardation region 13b is included in the second alignment region 12b (2b′-1, 2b′-2, 2b′-3). The phase difference part (3b'-1, 3b'-2, 3b'-3) from which thickness differs corresponding to is included.
In this example, rod-like compounds are arranged in the first retardation region and the second retardation region in directions of 45 ° and 135 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pattern retardation film of this embodiment, respectively. These slow axes are orthogonal to each other. Moreover, the arrow in FIG. 8 is a direction which arranges the rod-shaped compound in each orientation area | region. Further, W1 and W2 in FIG. 8 indicate the band widths of the first alignment region 12a and the second alignment region 12b, respectively.

  According to this aspect, by having the retardation layers having different thicknesses corresponding to the respective colors displayed on the display device, the retardation corresponding to the respective colors can be exhibited. For this reason, it is possible to form a three-dimensional display device excellent in color reproducibility.

The pattern retardation film of this embodiment has the above-described retardation film. The retardation film includes at least a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer, and a retardation layer as described above.
Hereinafter, each structure of the pattern phase difference film of this aspect is demonstrated in detail.
In addition, about the transparent film base material which comprises the said retardation film, since it is the content similar to the content as described in the term of the said "A. retardation film", description here is abbreviate | omitted.

1. Alignment layer The alignment layer used in this embodiment includes a first alignment region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a certain direction and a second alignment region in which the rod-like compound is arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region.
The alignment layer includes an alignment portion in each of the first alignment region and the second alignment region. The alignment portion is the same as that described in the section “A. Retardation film”. The description here is omitted.

The first alignment region and the second alignment region in this embodiment are different from each other in the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged. That is, the alignment direction included in the first alignment region and the alignment portion included in the second alignment region are different in the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged.
In this embodiment, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a pattern.

  The pattern in which the 1st orientation area | region and 2nd orientation area | region in this aspect are formed can be suitably determined according to the use etc. of the pattern phase difference film of this aspect, and is not specifically limited. Examples of such a pattern include a band pattern, a mosaic pattern, and a staggered pattern. Especially in this aspect, it is preferable that the said 1st orientation area | region and the 2nd orientation area | region are formed in the strip | belt-shaped pattern mutually parallel. By forming the first alignment region and the second alignment region in such a pattern, the pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed, the right eye image and the left eye in the three-dimensional display device. It is easy to make the correspondence relationship with the pattern on which the business video is formed. For this reason, by forming the first alignment region and the second alignment region in a strip-like pattern parallel to each other, a 3D liquid crystal display device can be easily manufactured using the pattern retardation film of this embodiment. Because it will be possible. In other words, the pattern retardation film of this aspect can be suitably used for a 3D liquid crystal display device.

  In addition, as a specific example when the said 1st orientation area | region and the said 2nd orientation area | region are formed in the strip | belt-shaped pattern mutually parallel, what was already shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 can be mentioned. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the alignment layer 2 used in this embodiment, the first alignment region 12a and the second alignment region 12b are preferably formed in a strip-like pattern parallel to each other.

  When the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a strip pattern, the widths of the first alignment region and the second alignment region may be the same or different. However, in this embodiment, the width of the first alignment region and the width of the second alignment region are preferably the same. In the three-dimensional display device, since the right-eye video and the left-eye video are usually formed with the same width, the width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is set to the same width. When a three-dimensional display device is manufactured using the pattern retardation film of the aspect, a pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed, and a right-eye image and a left-eye image are displayed on the three-dimensional display device. This is because it becomes easy to make the corresponding pattern with the formed pattern, and as a result, the 3D liquid crystal display device can be easily manufactured by using the pattern retardation film of this embodiment.

  Specific widths of the first alignment region and the second alignment region are appropriately determined according to the application of the pattern retardation film of this aspect. For example, when the pattern retardation film of this embodiment is used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device capable of three-dimensional display, the width of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is the same as that in the color filter used in the liquid crystal display device. It is appropriately determined so as to correspond to the width in which the pixel portion is formed. As described above, the widths of the first alignment region and the second alignment region are not particularly limited, but are usually preferably in the range of 50 μm to 1000 μm, and more preferably in the range of 100 μm to 600 μm. preferable.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in the band-shaped pattern, the direction in which the band-shaped pattern is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the direction in which the band-shaped pattern is formed may be a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (long direction) of the pattern retardation film of this embodiment, or may be a direction orthogonal to the pattern retardation film. The crossing direction may be used. In particular, when the pattern retardation film of the present embodiment is a sheet-like one from a long one, the band-shaped pattern has a band-shaped formation direction that is a longitudinal direction of the long pattern retardation film. It is preferable that the directions are parallel to each other, that is, the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed in a belt-like pattern parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.
As a result, the pattern in which the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region are formed and the pattern in which the right-eye video and the left-eye video are formed in the color filter or the like used in the display device are made to correspond to each other. This is because it becomes easy.

The alignment regulating force of the first alignment region and the second alignment region in this embodiment, that is, the direction in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged is not particularly limited as long as they are different from each other. It is preferable that the directions are different.
When the arrangement direction is a direction orthogonal to each other, for example, 45 ° / 135 ° (FIG. 8) or 0 ° / 90 ° (FIG. 9) with respect to the longitudinal direction, the first alignment region and the second alignment By setting the in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion included in the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region formed on the region to correspond to λ / 4 of each corresponding color, This is because the linearly polarized light becomes circularly polarized light that are orthogonal to each other by transmitting through the phase difference region, and thus can be suitably used for manufacturing a display device capable of easily performing three-dimensional display.
Further, the rod-like compound of the first alignment region and the second alignment region to be formed such that the arrangement direction is 0 ° / 45 ° (FIG. 10) or 0 ° / 135 ° (FIG. 11) with respect to the longitudinal direction. When the arrangement direction is an angle of 45 °, the in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion included in the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is λ / 2 corresponding to each color. This is because it can be suitably used for manufacturing a 3D display device easily by using it in combination with a λ / 4 plate.
The direction different by 90 ° is not particularly limited as long as it can accurately perform three-dimensional display when a display device capable of three-dimensional display is formed using the pattern retardation film of this aspect. Usually, it is preferably within the range of 90 ° ± 3 °, more preferably within the range of about 90 ° ± 2 °, and in particular, about 90 ° ± 1 °. It is preferable to be within the range. This is because a display device capable of high-performance three-dimensional display can be obtained.
The direction different by 45 ° is not particularly limited as long as it can perform three-dimensional display with high accuracy when a display device capable of three-dimensional display is formed using the pattern retardation film of this aspect. Usually, it is preferably within a range of 45 ° ± 3 °, more preferably within a range of about 45 ° ± 2 °, and in particular, about 45 ° ± 1 °. It is preferable to be within the range. This is because a display device capable of high-performance three-dimensional display can be obtained.
In addition, about the code | symbol in FIGS. 9-11, since it shows the member same as FIG. 8, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

2. Retardation layer The retardation layer used in this embodiment includes a first retardation region and a first retardation region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a certain direction corresponding to the first alignment region and the second alignment region. Includes a second retardation region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in different directions.
In addition, the retardation layer includes a retardation portion in each of the first retardation region and the second retardation region. For such a retardation portion, see the section “A. Retardation film” above. Since it is the same content as the description, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  The first retardation region and the second retardation region in this aspect are formed on the alignment layer described above, and contain a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy, so that the pattern retardation film of this aspect has retardation. Is given. In addition, in this aspect, the alignment layer having the above-described characteristics is formed, so that the retardation layer in this aspect includes the first alignment area and the second retardation area. The pattern is formed in the same pattern as the pattern in which the second alignment region is formed.

The retardation layer used in this embodiment expresses retardation by containing the rod-shaped compound described above, and the degree of retardation is determined depending on the type of the rod-shaped compound and the thickness of the retardation layer. It is determined depending on Therefore, the thickness of the retardation layer used in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range in which a predetermined retardation can be achieved, and is appropriately determined according to the use of the pattern retardation film of this embodiment. Is.
In this aspect, when the alignment regulating forces of the first alignment region and the second alignment region are orthogonal to each other, in-plane retardation values of the first retardation region and the second retardation region, that is, It is preferable that the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference portion included in both the regions is in a range corresponding to λ / 4 of each corresponding color. As a result, in the patterned retardation film of this aspect, the linearly polarized light passing through the first retardation region and the second retardation region becomes circularly polarized light that is orthogonal to each other. This is because it can be displayed.
Further, the direction in which the alignment regulating force of the first alignment region and the second alignment region is an angle of 45 °, that is, the arrangement direction of the rod-like compounds in the first alignment region and the second alignment region is an angle of 45 °. The in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion included in the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is within a range corresponding to λ / 2 of the corresponding color. It is preferable that This is because, by using in combination with a λ / 4 plate in which the direction of the slow axis in the first phase difference region and the slow axis are parallel, it can be easily used for manufacturing a 3D display device.

Here, in the case where such a phase difference region is provided, the fact that a 3D display device can be easily manufactured by combining with a λ / 4 plate will be described in more detail. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pattern retardation film of the present embodiment, and shows an example of a display device capable of three-dimensional display in which the pattern retardation film and the λ / 4 plate are combined. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a display device that uses a combination of a pattern retardation film and a λ / 4 plate can perform 3D display by a passive method. The principle is as follows.
First, the pixel portion of the display device is divided into a plurality of two types of pixels, a right-eye video display pixel and a left-eye video display pixel, and a right-eye video is displayed on one group of pixels, and the other The image for the left eye is displayed on the pixels of the group. Next, as the pattern retardation film, the first retardation region of the retardation layer is formed so as to correspond to the arrangement pattern of the left-eye image display pixels, and the region other than the first retardation region (in FIG. Nothing is formed in the area.) Is prepared so as to correspond to the arrangement pattern of the right-eye video display pixels. And such a pattern phase difference film of this aspect is arrange | positioned at the display surface side of a polarizing plate, Furthermore, (lambda) / 4 board is arrange | positioned at the display surface side of a pattern phase difference film. At this time, the direction of the slow axis of the first retardation region and the direction of the polarization axis of the polarizing plate intersect at 45 °, and further, the slow axis direction of the first retardation region and the λ / 4 plate The slow axis direction should be parallel or orthogonal. By disposing the pattern retardation film and the λ / 4 plate in this manner, images displayed by the right-eye image display pixel and the left-eye image display pixel (hereinafter referred to as “right-eye image” and “left-eye image”, respectively) Is visually recognized by the observer through the following route.
That is, each image displayed by the right-eye image display pixel and the left-eye image display pixel first passes through the polarizing plate, and thus is converted into linearly polarized light. Here, in FIG. 12, since the polarization axis of the polarizing plate is in the 0 ° direction, each image transmitted through the second polarizing plate is also linearly polarized light in the 0 ° direction. Next, each image thus converted to linearly polarized light (0 °) is incident on the pattern retardation film of this aspect, but the left-eye image passes through the first retardation region and is used for the right eye. Since the image passes through a region where no retardation layer is formed, the left-eye image is transmitted through the pattern retardation film as linearly polarized light (L1) having a polarization axis of 90 °, but the right-eye image is not changed. The pattern retardation film is transmitted while the linearly polarized light (L2) having a polarization axis of 0 ° is maintained. Next, when L1 and L2 are incident on the λ / 4 plate, the left-eye image is converted into right-handed circularly polarized light (C1), and the right-eye image is converted into left-handed circularly polarized light (C2). It will be.
As described above, the right-eye image and the left-eye image that have passed through the pattern retardation film and the λ / 4 plate are converted into right-circularly polarized light and left-circularly-polarized light, respectively. Wearing circularly polarized glasses with a filter for the right eye, the image for the right eye passes only through the filter for the right eye, and the image for the left eye passes only through the filter for the left eye, so that the image for the right eye It can reach only the right eye and the image for the left eye can reach only the left eye, and three-dimensional display becomes possible.
Note that FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which nothing is formed in the second retardation region in the retardation layer of the patterned retardation film. For example, in-plane retardation is formed in the second retardation region. The value corresponds to λ / 2, and the slow axis direction intersects the slow axis direction of the first retardation region at 45 °, and the slow axis direction is the polarization axis direction of the polarizing plate. Even in the case where the second phase difference region that is parallel or orthogonal to the second phase difference region is formed, a display device capable of three-dimensional display can be obtained in the same manner as described above.

3. Pattern Retardation Film (i) Other Configurations The pattern retardation film of this embodiment has at least the above-described retardation film, but may have other configurations as necessary. The other configuration used in this aspect is not particularly limited as long as it can display a desired three-dimensional image, and a desired function depending on the use of the pattern retardation film of this aspect. Can be selected and used as appropriate. Examples of such other configurations include, for example, an antiglare layer or an antireflection layer formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer is formed. By forming such an antiglare layer and an antireflection layer, there is an advantage that a display device with good display quality can be obtained. Note that only one or both of the antireflection layer and the antiglare layer may be used.
Further, the film substrate has a polarizing plate on the surface opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer is formed or on the surface opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer is formed in the retardation layer, that is, with a polarizing plate. A pattern retardation film may be used. Such a polarizing plate can be the same as the content described in the above-mentioned section “B. Circular Polarizing Plate for EL Display Device”, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 13: is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example in case an antireflection layer is used for the pattern phase difference film of this aspect. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the anti-glare layer or the antireflection layer 14 is formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate 1 opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer 2 is formed in the patterned retardation film 30 of this embodiment. It may be.

  The antiglare layer is a layer having a function of reducing screen reflection caused by external light from the sun, a fluorescent lamp, or the like entering and reflecting on the display screen of the display device. On the other hand, the antireflection layer improves the image contrast by suppressing the regular reflectance of the surface, and as a result, has a function of improving the visibility of the image. The antiglare layer and antireflection layer used in this embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they have a desired antiglare function or antireflection function, and are used for display devices for the purpose of improving display image quality. Generally known ones can be used. Examples of the antiglare layer include a resin layer in which fine particles are dispersed, and examples of the antireflection layer include a layer having a configuration in which a plurality of layers having different refractive indexes are stacked. . 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.

(Ii) Pattern Retardation Film The pattern retardation film of this aspect has the first retardation region and the second retardation layer in the retardation layer so as to correspond to the pattern in which the first alignment region and the second alignment region are formed. The phase difference region has a configuration formed in a pattern. Here, the degree of phase difference of the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is not particularly limited as long as a desired three-dimensional image can be displayed. It can be determined appropriately depending on the situation. Accordingly, the specific numerical range of the in-plane retardation indicated by the first retardation region and the second retardation region is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted according to the application of this aspect. In particular, in this embodiment, when the alignment regulating forces of the first alignment region and the second alignment region are orthogonal to each other, each color corresponding to the in-plane retardation value of the retardation layer (each retardation portion) Of the retardation layer (each retardation part) when the orientation regulating force of the first orientation region and the second orientation region is an angle of 45 °. It is preferable that the in-plane retardation value corresponds to λ / 2 of each corresponding color.
In the retardation layer in this aspect, the in-plane retardation values indicated by the first retardation region and the second retardation region are substantially the same except that the direction of the slow axis is different.

  In addition, in the pattern retardation film of this aspect, the pattern formed of the first retardation region and the second retardation region is formed in the retardation layer. For example, a sample is put in a polarizing plate crossed Nicol, It can be evaluated by confirming that the bright line and the dark line are reversed when the sample is rotated. At this time, when the pattern composed of the first phase difference region and the second phase difference region is fine, the pattern may be observed with a polarizing microscope. Further, the direction (angle) of the slow axis in each pattern may be measured with the above-described AxoScan.

II. 2nd aspect The pattern retardation film for three-dimensional displays of this aspect has the above-mentioned retardation film, The said orientation layer is a thick film area | region with a large thickness, and a thin film area | region where a thickness is smaller than the said thick film area | region. The rod-like compound is arranged in the same direction in the thick film region and the thin film region.

Such a pattern retardation film of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 15, and FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pattern retardation film of this embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pattern retardation film 30 of this embodiment includes the above-described retardation film 10, and is thicker than the thick film region 12 b ′ and the thick film region 12 b ′ having a large thickness. The thin film region 12a ′ having a small thickness is included, and the thick film region 12b ′ and the thin film region 12a ′ can arrange the rod-shaped compounds in the same direction.
Further, in the orientation portions (2a ″ -1, 2a ″ -2, 2a ″ -3) included in the thin film region 12a ′, fine uneven shapes for arranging rod-shaped compounds in a certain direction are formed, and the thick film In the region 12b ′ (2b ″ -1, 2b ″ -2, 2b ″ -3), fine concavo-convex shapes in which rod-shaped compounds are arranged in the same direction as the thin film region 12a ′ are formed. Further, the alignment portions (2a ″ -1, 2a ″ -2, 2a ″ -3) included in the thin film region 12a ′ and the alignment portions (2b ″ -1, 2b) included in the thick film region 12b ′. “″ -2, 2b ″ -3) corresponds to the same color of the display device. That is, the alignment unit 2a ″ -1, the alignment unit 2b ″ -1, the alignment unit 2a ″ -2, the alignment unit 2b ″ -2, the alignment unit 2a ″ -3, and the alignment unit 2b ″ -3 are , Respectively, corresponding to the same color pattern of the display device.
The retardation layer 3 has a low retardation region 13b ′ and a high retardation region 13a ′ in which rod-shaped compounds are arranged in the same direction, and the high retardation region 13a ′ is further included in the alignment portion included in the thin film region 12a ′. Corresponding to (2a ″ -1, 2a ″ -2, 2a ″ -3), including phase difference portions (3a ″ -1, 3a ″ -2, 3a ″ -3) having different thicknesses The low retardation region 13b 'corresponds to the alignment portions (2b "-1, 2b" -2, 2b "-3) included in the thick film region 12b'. '-1, 3b ″ -2, 3b ″ -3).
In this example, the high retardation region 13a ′ and the low retardation region 13b ′ each have rod-shaped compounds arranged in a direction of 0 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the slow axes of both regions are parallel to each other. . Moreover, the arrow in FIG. 15 shows the arrangement | sequence direction of a rod-shaped compound.

The pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display of this aspect has the above-mentioned retardation film. The retardation film includes at least a transparent film substrate, an alignment layer, and a retardation layer as described above.
Hereinafter, each structure of the pattern retardation film for three-dimensional displays of this aspect is demonstrated in detail.
In addition, about the transparent film base material which comprises the said retardation film, since it is the content similar to the content as described in the term of the said "A. retardation film", description here is abbreviate | omitted.

1. Alignment layer The alignment layer used in this embodiment has an alignment layer included in the retardation film having a thick film region having a large thickness and a thin film region having a smaller thickness than the thick film region. The rod-shaped compound can be arranged in the same direction in the thin film region.
The alignment layer includes an alignment portion in each of the thick film region and the thin film region. The alignment portion has the same content as that described in the above section “A. Retardation film”. Since there is, explanation here is omitted.

The alignment layer in this embodiment includes a thick film region having a large thickness and a thin film region having a smaller thickness than the thick film region, and the thick film region and the thin film region can arrange the rod-shaped compounds in the same direction. It is.
Here, the thick film region having a large thickness includes an alignment portion having a large thickness with respect to the color displayed on the display device, and the thin film region has a thickness with respect to the same color as that of the alignment portion included in the thick film region. It shows that a thin orientation part is included.

By using such an alignment layer, the alignment direction of the rod-shaped compounds in the retardation layer formed on the alignment layer is the same in the entire retardation layer, but corresponds to the thick film region and the thin film region. Thus, a low retardation region and a high retardation region having a thickness larger than that of the low retardation region are formed.
Here, the retardation layer (low retardation region) formed on the thick film region and the retardation layer (high retardation region) formed on the thin film region have different thicknesses. Accordingly, the phase difference value in the high phase difference region is higher than that in the low phase difference region.

For this reason, the difference in thickness between the thick film region and the thin film region in this embodiment is appropriately determined depending on how much the difference in the retardation value between the low retardation region and the high retardation region is to be made. Therefore, the difference in thickness between the thick film region and the thin film region is appropriately determined according to the application of this aspect and the type of rod-like compound used in the retardation layer described later, and is not particularly limited. Absent. In particular, in this embodiment, the difference in thickness between the thick film region and the thin film region is determined by the in-plane retardation value of the high retardation region of the retardation layer and the in-plane retardation portion of the low retardation region of the retardation layer. It is preferable that the difference from the retardation value is a distance corresponding to λ / 2 minutes of each corresponding color. Thereby, for example, when the retardation layer is formed on the alignment layer, the in-plane retardation of each retardation portion in the low retardation region corresponds to λ / 4 of each corresponding color. The pattern retardation film corresponds to the in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion in the low retardation region corresponding to λ / 4 of each color, and the in-plane retardation value of each retardation portion in the high retardation region corresponds to each color. However, in the pattern retardation film of such a mode, the linearly polarized light passing through the low retardation region and the high retardation region is circularly polarized light that is orthogonal to each other. This is because the three-dimensional video can be displayed with high accuracy.
Here, the difference in thickness between the thick film region and the thin film region is the alignment portion included in the thick film region and the alignment portion corresponding to the same color as the alignment portion included in the thick film region. And the difference in thickness.

The thickness of the thick film region and the thin film region refers to the thickness of the thickest alignment portion of all the alignment portions included in each region. The thickness of the thick film region, the thickness of the thin film region, and the thickness The difference in thickness between the film region and the thin film region means the distance indicated by D4, D5, and D6 in FIG.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the thickness of the thick film region and the thin film region is a thickness including a fine uneven shape.

  The thick film region and the thin film region are formed in a pattern on the surface of the alignment layer. Here, the pattern, width, and direction in which the thick film region and the thin film region are formed can be determined as appropriate according to the application of the present embodiment, and are not particularly limited. The first alignment region and the second alignment region in the “first aspect” can be the same.

2. Retardation layer The retardation layer in this embodiment is such that the retardation layer has a low retardation region and a high retardation region having a thickness larger than that of the low retardation region, corresponding to the thick film region and the thin film region. is there.
In addition, the retardation layer includes a retardation portion in each of the low retardation region and the high retardation region. Regarding such a retardation portion, the contents described in the above section “A. Retardation film” Since it is the same content, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  The low retardation region and the high retardation region in this embodiment are formed on the alignment layer described above, and impart a retardation to the patterned retardation film of this embodiment by containing a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy. It is. Further, in this embodiment, the alignment layer having the above-described characteristics is formed, so that the retardation layer in this embodiment has the low retardation region and the high retardation region, and the thick film region and the thin film region are formed. The same pattern as the above pattern is formed.

  The retardation layer used in the present embodiment expresses retardation by containing a rod-shaped compound to be described later. The degree of the retardation is determined depending on the type of the rod-shaped compound and the retardation layer. It is determined depending on the thickness. Therefore, the thickness of the retardation layer used in the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range in which a predetermined retardation can be achieved, and is appropriately determined according to the use of the present embodiment. Further, the thickness of the retardation layer in this aspect is different between the low retardation region and the high retardation region. In particular, in this embodiment, the thickness of the low retardation region is preferably in a range corresponding to λ / 4 of each color corresponding to the in-plane retardation of each retardation portion of the low retardation region. As a result, the difference in thickness between the thick film region and the thin film region corresponds to the difference between the in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion in the low retardation region and the in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion in the high retardation region. The in-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion of the low retardation region corresponds to λ / 4 minutes of each corresponding color, and a high retardation region in the retardation layer. In-plane retardation value of each phase difference portion corresponds to λ / 4 + λ / 2 minutes of each corresponding color. In the pattern phase difference film of such an aspect, the low retardation region and the high retardation region This is because three-dimensional images can be displayed with higher accuracy because the linearly polarized light passing through the light becomes circularly polarized light that are orthogonal to each other.

3. Pattern Retardation Film (i) Other Configurations The pattern retardation film of this embodiment has at least the transparent film substrate, the alignment layer, and the retardation layer, but has other configurations as necessary. Is also good. As another structure used in this embodiment, for example, an antiglare layer or an antireflection layer formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate opposite to the surface on which the alignment layer is formed can be mentioned. Moreover, you may have a polarizing plate.
Specifically, such an antiglare layer or antireflection layer, and a polarizing plate can be the same as those described in the section “(1) First aspect”.

(Ii) Pattern Retardation Film The pattern retardation film of this aspect has a pattern of a high retardation region and a low retardation region in the retardation layer so as to correspond to the pattern in which the thick film region and the thin film region described above are formed. It has the structure formed in. Here, the degree of phase difference of the high phase difference region and the low phase difference region is not particularly limited as long as a desired three-dimensional image can be displayed. Can be determined. Therefore, the specific numerical range of the in-plane retardation indicated by the high retardation region and the low retardation region is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted according to the application of this embodiment. In this embodiment, by adjusting the thickness difference between the thick film region and the thin film region, in-plane retardation having an arbitrary value can be imparted to the high retardation region and the low retardation region. Among them, the pattern retardation film of this aspect is such that the in-plane retardation value of each retardation portion of the high retardation region corresponds to λ / 4 + λ / 2 of each corresponding color, and each position of the low retardation region. It is preferable that the in-plane retardation value of the phase difference portion corresponds to λ / 4 of each corresponding color.
In the retardation layer in this embodiment, the in-plane retardation value of the high retardation region and the in-plane retardation value of the low retardation region are different, but the slow axis directions are almost the same.

  Further, the pattern in which the high retardation region and the low retardation region are formed in the retardation layer in the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and can be determined as appropriate according to the use of the present embodiment. Since the pattern in which the high retardation region and the low retardation region are formed matches the pattern in which the thick film region and the thin film region are formed in the alignment layer, the pattern for forming the thick film region and the thin film region is selected. Thus, the pattern in which the high phase difference region and the low phase difference region are simultaneously formed is determined.

  In the pattern retardation film of this embodiment, the fact that the pattern composed of the high retardation region and the low retardation region is formed in the retardation layer can be evaluated by measuring and comparing in-plane retardation values, for example. it can.

D. Next, a method for producing the retardation film of the present invention will be described.
The method for producing a retardation film of the present invention is a method for producing the above-described retardation film, and includes a roll-shaped mold having a concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer, and a resin composition for forming an alignment layer. A layer for forming an alignment layer to be contacted, and then pressurizing to form an uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold on the layer for forming the alignment layer, and the alignment after the molding step. A curing step for curing the layer forming layer and a peeling step for peeling the alignment layer forming layer from the roll mold to form an alignment layer, and for forming a retardation layer containing the rod-shaped compound on the alignment layer An alignment process in which the coating step of applying the coating liquid and the rod-shaped compound contained in the coating film of the coating liquid for forming the retardation layer are arranged along the forming direction of the fine irregularities formed on the surface of the alignment portion And a process.

  The method for producing the retardation film of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the method for producing a retardation film of the present invention is performed by coating the alignment layer forming resin composition on the transparent film substrate 1 (FIG. 17A). The alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ is formed, and the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ corresponds to the surface shape of the alignment layer and is parallel to the roll rotation direction (42a-1, 42a-2, 42a-3) by placing on a roll-shaped mold 40 having an uneven shape, and then pressing with a pressure roll (FIG. 17B), the above An uneven shape on the surface of the roll mold 40 is formed on the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′, and then ultraviolet rays are brought into contact with the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ on the roll mold 40. Is applied to cure the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ (FIG. 17C). By peeling from the roll-shaped mold 40, the alignment layer 2 formed on the transparent film substrate 1 and the transparent film substrate 1 and including the alignment portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) is formed. (FIG. 17D).

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, a coating film is formed on the alignment layer 2 by applying a retardation layer forming coating solution containing a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy, By heating the coating film 3 ′, the rod-shaped compound contained in the coating film 3 ′ is formed on the surface of the orientation part (2 a-1, 2 a-2, 2 a-3) contained in the orientation layer 2. By arranging along the direction of the concavo-convex shape (FIG. 18B), the thicknesses corresponding to the orientation portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) on the orientation layer 2 are different. The phase difference layer 3 including the phase difference portions (3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3) is formed, and the patterns of the alignment portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) are in the form of strips parallel to each other. This is the phase difference film 10 (FIG. 18C).

  In this example, FIG. 17A is the shaping process, FIG. 17B is the curing process, FIG. 17C is the peeling process, FIG. 18A is the coating process, and FIG. (B) is an orientation process.

According to the present invention, by using the roll-shaped mold, alignment layers including alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the colors displayed on the display device can be manufactured easily and in large quantities.
For this reason, the retardation film which has a phase difference layer containing the phase difference part from which thickness differs corresponding to the pattern of each color of the above display apparatuses can be manufactured easily and in large quantities.

The method for producing a retardation film of the present invention includes at least a shaping step, a curing step, a peeling step, a coating step, and an orientation step.
Hereinafter, each process included in the manufacturing method of the retardation film of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

1. Molding step In the molding step in the present invention, a roll-shaped mold having a concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer was contacted with an alignment layer forming layer made of the alignment layer forming resin composition. Thereafter, pressurization is performed and the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold is formed on the alignment layer forming layer.

(1) Roll-shaped mold The roll-shaped mold used in the present invention has an uneven shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer.
Here, the concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer is not particularly limited as long as it can form the alignment layer by shaping. The surface shape is reversed.
For this reason, in this process, the above-mentioned alignment layer can be formed by shaping the uneven | corrugated shape corresponding to the surface shape of the said alignment layer in the said layer for alignment layer formation by pressurizing.
In addition, the alignment layer formed by this step is a band-like shape in which the patterns of the alignment portions are parallel to each other. That is, the concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the orientation layer of the roll-shaped mold corresponds to the surface shape of the orientation layer in which the pattern of the orientation part is a strip shape parallel to each other, and is parallel to the rotation direction of the roll. Corresponding to the pattern of the alignment portions which are parallel strips, it includes a parallel strip-shaped mold part.

Such a roll-shaped mold is not particularly limited as long as it has a concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer. For example, the surface shape of the alignment layer is the surface of the substrate. What formed the corresponding uneven | corrugated shape by cutting etc., and what has the base material and the convex part formed on the base material can be used.
In the present invention, among them, those having a base material and convex portions formed on the base material can be preferably used. This is because the uneven shape can be formed with high accuracy.

The material constituting the roll mold used in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can accurately form the uneven shape, and examples thereof include metal materials and inorganic materials other than metals. Alternatively, a resin or the like may be used.
Specifically, a substrate made of an inorganic material and a convex portion made of an inorganic material, a substrate made of an inorganic material and a convex portion made of a resin, a substrate made of a resin and an inorganic material The thing which consists of a convex part can be mentioned.
In this step, among them, a metal material and / or an inorganic material, that is, the roll-shaped mold has a metal substrate and a convex portion made of an inorganic material formed on the metal substrate. , One having a metal substrate and a convex portion made of a metal material formed on the metal substrate, one having an inorganic substrate and a convex portion made of a metal material formed on the inorganic substrate, or It is preferable that it has an inorganic base material and the convex part which consists of an inorganic material formed on the inorganic base material.

The metal material constituting the base material in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can form the orientation portion corresponding portion of the above-mentioned shape, nickel, stainless steel, tinplate, iron, copper, silver, gold, Examples thereof include chromium, zinc, silicon, titanium, tantalum, tin, aluminum, nickel-phosphorus and alloys thereof, alumite, and the like. Among these, nickel, copper, chromium, and stainless steel are preferable.
The inorganic material constituting the substrate is not particularly limited as long as it can form a fine line-shaped uneven structure on the surface. Titanium oxide (TiO ₂ , Ti ₃ O ₅ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), silicon oxide (SiO, SiO ₂ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), aluminum oxide (Al ₂ 0 ₃ ), chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), oxide Metal oxides such as indium (In ₂ O ₃ ), zinc oxide (ZnO, ZnO ₂ ), carbides such as TiC, SiC, BC, WC, TiN, SiN, CrN, BN, AIN, CN, and ZrN a nitride, barium fluoride _(BaF 2), magnesium fluoride _(MgF 2), magnesium oxide (MgO), diamond-like carbon (DLC), Gras Sea carbon, ceramic, silicon nitride, carbon nitride and the like can be mentioned. Among them, diamond like coating, carbide such as TiC, SiC, BC, WC, TiN, SiN, CrN, BN, AIN, CN, ZrN Such a nitride is preferable. This is because a fine uneven shape can be easily formed on the surface of the alignment portion corresponding portion. Moreover, since it is excellent in peelability, the alignment layer forming layer after this step can be easily peeled off.

The shape of the base material in this step is not particularly limited as long as the above-mentioned surface shape can be formed with high accuracy, but it can be a roll shape, a sleeve shape, etc. Preferably there is. This is because the alignment layer can be manufactured with high manufacturing efficiency when the shape is a sleeve shape. Also, the sleeve shape is lighter than the roll shape, and has the advantage of being easy to handle.
Here, specifically as a roll-shaped base material, a roll with a shaft, a pipe without a shaft, etc. can be mentioned. Here, the shaftless pipe refers to a cylindrical base material having a thickness of 3000 μm or more.
The sleeve shape represents a strip of a seamless base material, and the sleeve-shaped base material can be easily deformed by air pressure or stress, and specifically, a cylinder having a thickness of 1000 μm or less. It refers to a shaped substrate.
The base material used in this step is preferably seamless and seamless, but a base material having a cylindrical seam can also be used.

The material constituting the convex portion in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can be stably laminated on the base material, and metal materials, inorganic materials other than metals, resins, and the like can be used. .
Examples of the metal material constituting the convex portion include metals such as nickel, stainless steel, tinplate, iron, copper, silver, gold, chromium, zinc, silicon, titanium, tantalum, tin, aluminum, nickel-phosphorus, and molybdenum. An alloy etc. can be mentioned.
Examples of the inorganic material include titanium oxide (TiO ₂ , Ti ₃ O ₅ ), tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), silicon oxide (SiO, SiO ₂ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ 0). ₃ ), metal oxides such as chromium oxide (Cr ₂ O ₃ ), barium titanate (BaTiO ₃ ), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), zinc oxide (ZnO, ZnO ₂ ), TiC, SiC, BC, Carbides such as WC, nitrides such as TiN, SiN, CrN, BN, AIN, CN, ZrN, barium fluoride (BaF ₂ ), magnesium fluoride (MgF ₂ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), diamond-like carbon (DLC), glassy carbon, ceramic, silicon nitride, carbon nitride, etc., among which DLC, nickel, Arm, TiC, SiC, BC, carbides such as WC, TiN, SiN, CrN, BN, AIN, CN, be a nitride such as ZrN preferred. For example, when the substrate is a metal substrate, it can be easily formed on the substrate.

The method for forming the convex portion made of an inorganic material in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can accurately form the alignment portion corresponding portion having a desired thickness, and is appropriately selected depending on the material. is there. Specific examples include dry plating methods such as vapor deposition, sputtering, and vapor deposition (CVD), wet plating, and coating methods.
Specifically, in the case of a metal material such as chromium and nickel, it is preferable to use a wet plating method or a dry plating method, and carbides such as TiC, SiC, BC, and WC, TiN, SiN, CrN, and BN. In the case of nitrides such as AIN, CN and ZrN, DLC, etc., it is preferable to use a dry plating method. It is because it can form with thickness accuracy by such a method.

  As a method for forming such a roll-shaped mold, when the roll-shaped mold has a base material and a convex portion formed on the base material, it corresponds to the surface shape of the alignment layer. Although it will not specifically limit if it is a method which can form uneven | corrugated shape accurately, For example, after forming the convex part corresponding to the said orientation part on a base material, the method of grind | polishing the surface of a convex part Can be mentioned.

FIG. 19 is a process diagram showing an example of a method for forming a roll-shaped mold, and more specifically shows an example of a method for forming a roll-shaped mold capable of forming the alignment layer described in FIG. Is. As illustrated in FIG. 19, first, a metal or inorganic substrate 41 having a surface such as DLC is prepared by stainless steel, nickel plating or chrome plating, and vapor phase growth (CVD) as a substrate. By polishing the surface of the base material 41 by paper polishing in a substantially constant direction, a fine line-shaped uneven structure is formed, and a mold part 42a-3 is formed at a position corresponding to the orientation part 2a-3 (FIG. 19 ( a)) Next, a resist 43 is formed on the surface of the metal or inorganic base material 41 at a position other than the position corresponding to the orientation portion 2a-2 (FIG. 19B), and the exposed metal or inorganic base material. A convex portion 41a-2 made of DLC is formed by nickel or chromium or vapor phase growth method (CVD method) so as to cover 41 by wet or dry plating (FIG. 19C), and the convex portion 4 The surface of the a-2 by forming a fine line-shaped uneven structure by polishing by paper polishing, to form the mold portion 42a-2 (Figure 19 (d)).
At this time, the resist 43 remaining on the metal or inorganic substrate 41 functions as a polishing protective layer. Thereafter, the resist 43 is peeled off, and the resist 43 is formed at a position other than the position corresponding to the orientation portion 2a-1 (FIG. 19E), and wet or dry so as to cover the exposed metal or inorganic base material 41. Forming convex portions 41a-1 made of DLC by nickel, chromium or vapor phase epitaxy (CVD method) by plating (FIG. 19 (f)), and polishing the surface of the convex portions 41a-1 by paper polishing Thus, the mold part 42a-1 is formed by forming a fine line-shaped uneven structure (FIG. 19 (g)). At this time, the resist 43 remaining on the metal or inorganic base material 41 and the mold part 42a-2 functions as a polishing protective layer. Thereafter, the resist 43 is peeled off so that the mold portions (42a-1, 42a-2, 42a-3) corresponding to the alignment portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) included in the alignment layer 2 are obtained. ) Including a concavo-convex shape including ()) (FIG. 19 (h)).

  The polishing method performed in the above polishing treatment is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can randomly form minute line-shaped uneven structures in a substantially constant direction and form rod-like compounds in an arrayable manner, for example, Grinding stone polishing, paper polishing, tape polishing, sand blasting method, shot blasting method, grit blasting method, blasting method such as glass bead blasting method, synthetic resin hair made of synthetic fiber such as nylon, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, non-woven fabric, animal hair Brush graining method using brush material such as steel wire, wire graining method by scratching with metal wire, brush polishing method while supplying slurry liquid containing abrasive (brush graining method), ball grain method, liquid Buffing method such as honing method, shot peening method, rotary barre Barrel polishing method using oscillating barrel, Luther polishing method, abrasive flow polishing method, electrolytic polishing method, chemical polishing method, chemical composite polishing method, electrolytic composite polishing method, chemical mechanical polishing method, CMP polishing method, etc. be able to. In this step, it is particularly preferable that the polishing residue does not accumulate. In particular, a tape polishing method, a brush graining method, or the like is preferable. This is because minute irregularities can be formed with high accuracy. Further, it is possible to prevent molding defects due to the remaining polishing residue.

  Moreover, as the resist, the resist patterning method, and the resist peeling direction, those commonly used can be used, and can be appropriately selected according to the metal base material, the material of the convex portion, and the like.

In addition, when the roll-shaped mold is formed by cutting or the like on the surface of the base material, the surface of the alignment layer is formed as a roll-shaped mold. The method is not particularly limited as long as the method can accurately form an uneven shape corresponding to the shape.
Specifically, there can be mentioned a method of cutting with a cutting depth corresponding to the thickness of each orientation portion using a cutting tool such as a diamond cutting tool having an uneven structure with a predetermined period.
Specifically, when it is used for a display device that displays three colors of red, green, and blue, the base material has an orientation portion corresponding to red, an orientation portion corresponding to green, and blue. A method of cutting the position corresponding to the corresponding orientation portion by changing the cutting depth can be used.

(2) Orientation layer formation layer The orientation layer formation layer used for this process consists of a resin composition for orientation layer formation.

  The resin composition for forming an alignment layer used in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can form the concavo-convex shape on the surface of the roll mold by applying pressure after contacting the roll mold. It is not a thing, but the thing containing the material which comprises the orientation layer as described in the term of the said "A. retardation film" can be mentioned.

  In addition, the alignment layer forming resin composition used in this step absorbs, as necessary, an antioxidant for suppressing changes to oxygen, a light stabilizer for suppressing changes to light, and ultraviolet light. UV absorbers, viscosity modifiers for adjusting the viscosity, refractive index modifiers for adjusting the refractive index, fluorine-based or silicon-based lubricants for improving formability, solvents, etc. May be.

  Such a solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can uniformly dissolve or disperse the monomer of the resin contained in the alignment layer-forming resin composition. For example, carbonization such as benzene and hexane is possible. Hydrogen solvents, methyl solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone, ether solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, alkyl halide solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate and butyl acetate , Ester solvents such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, amide solvents such as N, N-dimethylformamide, sulfoxide solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, anone solvents such as cyclohexane, methanol, ethanol, and propanol Can be exemplified an alcohol-based solvent is not limited thereto. Further, the solvent used in this step may be one kind or a mixed solvent of two or more kinds of solvents.

The viscosity of the alignment layer-forming resin composition used in this step is particularly limited as long as the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold can be formed on the alignment layer-forming layer by pressing. However, it is preferably within a range of 5 mPa · s to 200000 mPa · s, for example, at 25 ° C. More preferably, it is in the range of ˜3000 mPa · s.
In the case of a melt-type resin, for example, the melt flow index (MFI) at 190 ° C. is preferably 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 1.0 g / 10 min or more, In particular, it is preferably 5.0 g / 10 min or more. This is because when the viscosity is within the above range, the moldability can be improved.

  The thickness of the alignment layer forming layer used in this step is not particularly limited as long as the uneven shape on the surface of the roll mold can be accurately shaped. It can be the same as the orientation layer of a general retardation film.

(3) Forming step In this step, the alignment layer forming layer made of the alignment layer forming resin composition is brought into contact with the roll-shaped mold and then pressed, and the roll is applied to the alignment layer forming layer. This is a step of shaping the uneven shape on the surface of the mold.

  The pressure applied at the time of pressurization in this step is not particularly limited as long as the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold can be stably formed on the alignment layer forming layer. It is appropriately selected according to the viscosity of the alignment layer forming resin composition used in the process, and using the alignment layer forming resin composition and the roll mold, the surface of the roll mold The degree to which the uneven shape can be formed on the alignment layer forming layer is found by repeatedly conducting experiments while adjusting the pressure. For example, when the alignment layer-forming resin composition having the above-described viscosity is used, the pressure is preferably in the range of 10 MPa / cm to 2000 MPa / cm, and more preferably 100 MPa / cm to 1000 MPa / cm. It is preferably within the range, and particularly preferably within the range of 150 MPa / cm to 500 MPa / cm. If the pressure is too low, the alignment layer forming layer does not enter the roll-shaped mold so much that the height of the convex structure in the minute line-shaped uneven structure may be insufficient. This is because if the pressure is too high, the alignment layer forming layer may enter the roll-shaped mold too much and not come out of the roll-shaped mold.

In this step, the method for applying the pressure is not particularly limited as long as the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold can be stably formed on the alignment layer forming layer. Examples include a method using a press method, a roll touch method, or the like.
Hereinafter, a method of applying the pressure to the alignment layer forming layer using these methods will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a pressurizing method according to the present invention. FIG. 20 exemplifies a method of pressurizing by a roll touch method. The unwinding machine 51a for unwinding the transparent film substrate 1 and the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ are discharged by discharging the alignment layer forming resin composition. An alignment layer forming die 53 to be formed, an ultraviolet irradiation device 55 for irradiating the alignment layer forming layer 2 ′ with ultraviolet rays, and a peeling roll for peeling the alignment layer forming layer from the roll-shaped mold 40 with a peeling roll. 52, and a winder 51b that winds the alignment film including the transparent film substrate 1 and the alignment layer 2, and further, elasticity such as rubber that pressurizes the alignment layer forming layer 2 'to the roll mold. The method of pressurizing using the orientation layer manufacturing apparatus which has the pressurization roll 50 which has this is illustrated. In the roll touch method, since the pressure roll is deformed by using a pressure roll having elasticity such as rubber, the contact time between the roll mold and the alignment layer forming layer can be increased. It becomes possible to stably shape the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold on the alignment layer forming layer.
Moreover, FIG. 21 is explanatory drawing explaining the pressurization method in this invention. FIG. 21 exemplifies a method of applying pressure by a belt press method. An alignment layer forming die 53 that discharges an alignment layer forming resin composition directly to a roll-shaped mold 40 and a pressure belt 56 are illustrated. The method of pressurizing using the alignment layer manufacturing apparatus which has is illustrated. In the belt press system, pressure can be applied to the alignment layer forming layer by confronting the roll-shaped mold and the pressure belt. Since the belt press system can extend the contact time between the roll mold and the alignment layer forming layer, it is possible to stably mold the uneven shape of the roll mold surface on the alignment layer forming layer. It becomes.
Note that reference numerals not described in FIG. 21 can be the same as those in FIG. 20, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

The molding method in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can accurately mold the surface shape of the roll-shaped mold on the alignment layer forming layer. For example, the roll-shaped mold A method of pressing the alignment layer forming layer can be mentioned, and among them, a filling treatment for forming the alignment layer forming layer by coating the alignment layer forming resin composition on a roll mold, A method of applying pressure after performing a disposition treatment of disposing a transparent film substrate on the alignment layer forming layer (first embodiment), and applying the alignment layer forming resin composition on the transparent film substrate. A method of applying pressure after performing an alignment layer forming layer forming process for forming the alignment layer forming layer and a contact process for bringing the alignment layer forming layer into contact with a roll-shaped mold (first step) 2 embodiment), for forming the alignment layer on a roll-shaped mold Coating the fat composition, filling process for forming the alignment layer forming layer, after the process of pressurizing (Third embodiment) is preferably. This is because the alignment layer can be stably formed.
Hereinafter, such a molding method will be described.

(A) 1st embodiment The shaping method of this aspect is the filling process which coats the said resin composition for orientation layer formation on the said roll-shaped metal mold | die, and forms the said layer for orientation layer formation, and the said orientation And a placement process of placing a transparent film substrate on the layer forming layer, followed by pressurization. By forming using such a forming method, the alignment layer can be easily formed on the transparent film substrate.
Such a transparent film base material can be the same as the content described in the above-mentioned section “A. Retardation film”, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

The method for applying the alignment layer-forming resin composition onto the roll-shaped mold performed in the filling treatment in this aspect is particularly limited as long as the method can form an alignment layer-forming layer having a uniform thickness. For example, a roll coating method, a T-die coating method, a cast coating method, a blade coating method, a bar coating method, a wire bar coating method, or a known method can be used.
In this embodiment, among them, a method that does not require the addition of a solvent to the alignment layer forming resin composition is preferable, and in particular, a melt extrusion method and a non-sol coating method can be preferably used. It is because a drying process etc. can be made unnecessary and it can be excellent in process passage property.
Here, as the melt extrusion method, for example, a method in which the alignment layer forming resin composition is thermally melted in a temperature range of not less than the glass transition temperature and not more than the thermal decomposition temperature, and extruded using a T die, etc. Is mentioned.
In addition, after the filling process, a drying process or a half-cure process using heat, UV, or EB can be appropriately performed.

  As a method of disposing the transparent film substrate on the alignment layer forming layer performed in the disposition treatment in this embodiment, the method can sufficiently adhere the alignment layer forming layer and the transparent film substrate. The method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which a roll-shaped transparent film base material is continuously unwound on an alignment layer forming layer on a roll-shaped mold.

(B) 2nd embodiment The shaping method of this aspect is the layer formation process for alignment layer formation which coats the said resin composition for alignment layer formation on a transparent film base material, and forms the said layer for alignment layer formation. And a contact treatment in which the orientation layer forming layer and the roll mold are brought into contact with each other and then pressurizing. By being such a shaping method, a retardation film in which an alignment layer is laminated on a transparent film substrate can be easily formed.
In this case, the alignment layer forming resin composition may contain a solvent that is compatible with the resin constituting the alignment portion. When it contains a solvent, it is desirable to apply a drying treatment for evaporating the solvent after coating the alignment layer-forming resin composition on the transparent film substrate. In addition, as a solvent, a solvent permeation layer can be formed between the transparent film substrate and the alignment layer forming layer by penetrating into the transparent film substrate, and therefore occurs at the interface between the transparent film substrate and the alignment layer. It is possible to prevent the wiggle and poor adhesion.

  The method for coating the alignment layer-forming resin composition on the transparent film substrate performed in the alignment layer-forming layer forming treatment in this embodiment is a method that can form an alignment layer-forming layer having a desired thickness. What is necessary is just to be the same as the filling process as described in the above-mentioned section “(a) First embodiment”.

  As a method of bringing the alignment layer forming layer performed in the contact treatment in this embodiment into contact with the roll mold, the alignment layer forming layer can be sufficiently adhered to the roll mold. There is no particular limitation as long as it is the same as the placement process described in the section “(a) First Embodiment”.

(C) Third Embodiment The molding method according to this aspect performed a filling process in which the alignment layer-forming resin composition was applied on the roll mold and the alignment layer-forming layer was formed. This is a method of pressurizing later. By such a shaping method, for example, only the alignment layer can be easily obtained. For this reason, the freedom degree of selection of the kind of transparent film base material can be made wide, for example.
The method of coating the alignment layer forming resin composition on the roll-shaped mold performed in the filling process in this embodiment is particularly limited as long as the alignment layer forming layer having a desired thickness can be formed. Although not done, it can be the same as the filling process described in the section “(a) First Embodiment”.
In addition, when using the shaping method of this aspect, the transparent film base material lamination process which bonds an orientation layer and a transparent film base material separately will be performed.

2. Curing Step The curing step in the production method of the present invention is a step of curing the alignment layer forming layer after the shaping step.

  In this step, the method for curing the alignment layer forming layer is appropriately selected according to the alignment layer forming resin composition constituting the alignment layer forming layer. When the forming resin composition is an ionizing radiation curable resin composition, examples include an ultraviolet curing method and an electron beam curing method. When the alignment layer forming resin composition is a thermosetting resin composition, heating is performed. Examples thereof include a curing method and a normal temperature curing method. Moreover, when using a thermoplastic resin composition as the said resin composition for alignment layer formation, it can be made to harden | cure by the cooling method which makes a cooling roll etc. contact.

  As a method of irradiating with ultraviolet rays in the ultraviolet curing method in this step, a method of irradiating from the opposite side of the surface that contacts the roll mold of the alignment layer forming layer is usually used. When performed after the process, a method of irradiating from a surface in contact with the roll mold may be used as necessary. This is because it can be sufficiently cured in a short time.

In the case of curing by an ultraviolet curing method in this step, the curing rate (reaction rate) of the alignment layer forming layer is preferably in the range of 20% to 97%, and more preferably in the range of 30% to 90%. It is preferable to be within. When the obtained alignment layer is stored, fine irregularities and patterns are crushed to cause shape defects, bleeding is likely to occur, the liquid crystal coating surface side of the alignment layer is contaminated, and liquid crystal alignment defects are caused. It is because a malfunction can be prevented. Another advantage is that it is possible to ensure adhesion to the liquid crystal layer.
In addition, the curing rate is the number of moles of the functional group having reactivity included in the alignment layer after performing this step, and the reactivity included in the alignment layer forming layer before performing this step. When the number of moles of the functional group possessed is Y, it is represented by (Y-X) / Y × 100 (%).

In this step, the alignment layer forming layer may be heated when the ultraviolet ray is irradiated by the ultraviolet curing method. This is because the reaction efficiency can be improved.
In this step, the method for heating the alignment layer forming layer is not particularly limited as long as it can bring the alignment layer forming layer to a desired temperature, and a known heating method may be used. Specific examples include a method using a roll mold that can be adjusted in temperature, a method using an infrared irradiation device, a hot air blower, and the like.

3. Peeling Step The peeling step in the production method of the present invention is a step that is performed after the shaping step and peels the alignment layer forming layer from the roll mold.
The peeling method in this step is not particularly limited as long as the roll mold can be peeled without damaging the cured alignment layer forming layer. Specifically, a method of peeling using a peeling roll as shown in FIG. 20 or FIG.

  The order of performing this step is not particularly limited as long as it is performed after the shaping step, but is preferably performed after the curing step. By performing the curing step in a state where the roll-shaped mold and the alignment layer forming layer are in contact with each other, the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold formed on the alignment layer forming layer can be stabilized. This is because the shape of the surface of the obtained alignment layer can be made highly accurate.

4). Coating process The coating process in this invention is a process of apply | coating the coating liquid for phase difference layer formation containing the said rod-shaped compound on the said orientation layer.

  The rod-shaped compound contained in the retardation layer forming coating solution used in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can form a retardation layer having a desired retardation. The content can be the same as that described in the section “A. Retardation film”.

  The content of the rod-shaped compound used in this step in the coating solution for forming the retardation layer is set to a desired value for the viscosity of the coating solution for forming the retardation layer depending on the coating method applied on the alignment layer. There is no particular limitation as long as it is possible. Especially in this process, it is preferable that it exists in the range of 5 mass%-30 mass% in the said coating liquid for phase difference layer formation, and it exists in the range of 10 mass%-20 mass% especially. Is preferred.

The retardation layer forming coating solution used in this step contains at least the rod-like compound, but usually contains a solvent. Moreover, you may contain another compound as needed.
Such a solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can uniformly dissolve or disperse the rod-like compound. It can be the same as that used in the above.

The other compound is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the arrangement order of the rod-like compound in the retardation layer formed by this step. As said other compound used for this process, a chiral agent, a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, surfactant, a silane coupling agent etc. can be mentioned, for example.
In this step, when the polymerizable liquid crystal material is used as the rod-shaped compound, it is preferable to use a polymerization initiator or a polymerization inhibitor as the other compound.

  Examples of the polymerization initiator include benzophenone, methyl o-benzoylbenzoate, 4,4-bis (dimethylamine) benzophenone, 4,4-bis (diethylamine) benzophenone, α-amino acetophenone, 4,4-dichloro. Benzophenone, 4-benzoyl-4-methyldiphenyl ketone, dibenzyl ketone, fluorenone, 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, p- tert-Butyldichloroacetophenone, thioxanthone, 2-methylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, diethylthioxanthone, benzyldimethyl ketal, benzylmethoxyethyl acetal, benzo Methyl ether, benzoin butyl ether, anthraquinone, 2-tert-butylanthraquinone, 2-amylanthraquinone, β-chloroanthraquinone, anthrone, benzanthrone, dibenzsuberone, methyleneanthrone, 4-azidobenzylacetophenone, 2,6-bis (p- Azidobenzylidene) cyclohexane, 2,6-bis (p-azidobenzylidene) -4-methylcyclohexanone, 2-phenyl-1,2-butadion-2- (o-methoxycarbonyl) oxime, 1-phenyl-propanedione-2 -(O-ethoxycarbonyl) oxime, 1,3-diphenyl-propanetrione-2- (o-ethoxycarbonyl) oxime, 1-phenyl-3-ethoxy-propanetrione-2- (o-benzoyl) oxy , Michler's ketone, 2-methyl-1 [4- (methylthio) phenyl] -2-morpholinopropan-1-one, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) -butanone, naphthalene Sulfonyl chloride, quinoline sulfonyl chloride, n-phenylthioacridone, 4,4-azobisisobutyronitrile, diphenyl disulfide, benzthiazole disulfide, triphenylphosphine, camphorquinone, Adeka N1717, carbon tetrabromide, tri Examples include combinations of photoreducing dyes such as bromophenyl sulfone, benzoin peroxide, eosin, and methylene blue with reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and triethanolamine. In this step, these photopolymerization initiators can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Furthermore, when using the said photoinitiator, a photoinitiator adjuvant can be used together. Examples of such photopolymerization initiation assistants include tertiary amines such as triethanolamine and methyldiethanolamine, and benzoic acid derivatives such as ethyl 2-dimethylaminoethylbenzoate and ethyl 4-dimethylamidebenzoate. Yes, but not limited to these.

  Examples of the polymerization inhibitor include diphenylpicrylhydrazide, tri-p-nitrophenylmethyl, p-benzoquinone, p-tert-butylcatechol, picric acid, copper chloride, methylhydroquinone, methoquinone, tert-butylhydroquinone and the like. Although a polymerization inhibitor for the reaction can be used, a hydroquinone polymerization inhibitor is preferred from the viewpoint of storage stability, and methyl hydroquinone is particularly preferred.

  In addition, other compounds as shown below can be added to the retardation layer forming coating solution in this step. Other compounds that can be added include, for example, a polyester (meth) acrylate obtained by reacting a (meth) acrylic acid with a polyester prepolymer obtained by condensing a polyhydric alcohol with a monobasic acid or polybasic acid; a polyol Polyurethane (meth) acrylate obtained by reacting a group and a compound having two isocyanate groups with each other and then reacting the reaction product with (meth) acrylic acid; bisphenol A type epoxy resin, bisphenol F type epoxy resin , Epoxy resins such as novolac type epoxy resin, polycarboxylic acid polyglycidyl ester, polyol polyglycidyl ether, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, amino group epoxy resin, triphenolmethane type epoxy resin, dihydroxybenzene type epoxy resin, (Meta) Photopolymerizable compound in epoxy (meth) acrylate obtained by reacting an acrylic acid; photopolymerizable liquid crystal compound having an acryl group or methacryl group and the like.

  The coating method for the retardation layer forming coating liquid in this step is not particularly limited as long as it can stably form a coating film made of the retardation layer forming coating liquid on the alignment layer. . In this step, specifically, it can be the same as the method for forming the alignment layer forming layer.

  The thickness of the coating film formed in this step is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range in which a predetermined retardation can be achieved after the orientation step described later, and is manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention. It is appropriately determined depending on the use of the retardation film.

5. Alignment Step The alignment step in the present invention is a method in which the rod-like compound contained in the coating film of the retardation layer forming coating liquid is formed along the direction of forming the fine unevenness formed on the surface of the orientation portion contained in the orientation layer. And arranging them.

  The method for arranging the rod-shaped compound in this step along the direction of forming the fine unevenness formed on the surface of the orientation part is not particularly limited as long as it can be arranged in a desired direction. A general method can be used, but when the rod-shaped compound is a liquid crystalline material, a method of heating the coating film to a temperature higher than the liquid crystal phase forming temperature of the rod-shaped compound is used. Specifically, although it differs depending on the kind of the rod-like compound, a method of heating within a range of 50 ° C to 60 ° C can be mentioned.

6). Manufacturing method of retardation film The manufacturing method of the retardation film of the present invention includes at least the shaping step, the curing step, the peeling step, the coating step, and the orientation step. If necessary, after the coating step, In the case of using a polymerizable liquid crystal material as the rod-like compound, a drying step of drying the coating film of the retardation layer forming coating solution, or a polymerization step of polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal material may be used. After the adhesive layer forming step for forming the adhesive layer on the phase difference layer, the separator laminating step for laminating the separator, and the orientation step, the long phase difference film is cut to obtain a phase difference film formed on a sheet. It may have a cutting process.

As a method for drying the coating film in the drying step, a commonly used drying method such as a heat drying method, a reduced pressure drying method, a gap drying method, or the like can be used. Further, the drying method in this step is not limited to a single method, and a plurality of drying methods may be employed, for example, by changing the drying method sequentially according to the amount of remaining solvent.
Furthermore, as a method for drying the coating film, a method of applying a drying air adjusted to a certain temperature to the coating film can be used. The wind speed of the drying air is preferably 3 m / second or less, and particularly preferably 0.5 m / second or less.

  What is necessary is just to determine arbitrarily as a polymerization method of the polymeric liquid crystal material in the said superposition | polymerization process according to the kind of polymeric functional group which polymeric liquid crystal material has. In particular, in this step, a method of curing by irradiation with actinic radiation is preferable. The actinic radiation is not particularly limited as long as it is a radiation capable of polymerizing the polymerizable liquid crystal material, but it is usually preferable to use ultraviolet light or visible light from the viewpoint of the ease of the apparatus. .

  In the present invention, each of these steps is performed independently, that is, the long alignment layer and the like are unwound in a roll shape for each step and wound after performing a predetermined treatment. Although it may be taken, it is preferable that all steps are carried out continuously, that is, roll-to-roll from the raw material to the retardation film as the final product.

E. Next, the alignment film of the present invention will be described.
The alignment film of the present invention has a transparent film substrate and an alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate, the alignment layer has a fine uneven shape on the surface, It has two or more orientation portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the patterns of the respective colors.

  Such an alignment film of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the alignment film of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the alignment film 60 of the present invention includes a transparent film substrate 1 and an alignment layer 2 formed on the transparent film substrate, and the alignment layer 2 is on the surface. It has a fine concavo-convex shape and further has two or more orientation portions (2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3) having different thicknesses corresponding to the patterns of the respective colors of the display device.

  According to the present invention, for forming a retardation layer including a rod-shaped compound having refractive index anisotropy by having an alignment layer including alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to each color displayed on such a display device. By applying and orienting a coating liquid, a retardation film that exhibits retardation can be easily formed corresponding to each color.

The alignment film of the present invention has the transparent film substrate and the alignment layer.
About such a transparent film base material and an orientation layer, since it can be made to be the same as that of the content of the term of the said "A. retardation film", description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention has any configuration that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention and that exhibits the same effects. Are included in the technical scope.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples.

[Example 1]
A copper plate having a size of 10 cm × 10 cm was prepared, and the entire surface was cut in the left-right direction with a diamond bit having an unevenness with a pitch of 200 nm produced by FIB processing. After that, the film was further cut in the same left-right direction so that the depth was 360 nm every 500 μm so that the stripe spacing was 500 μm. Thereafter, a UV curable resin (Unidic manufactured by DIC Corporation) is applied on the copper plate, and a transparent film (ZEONOR (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) is placed on the copper plate and adhered thereto, It was cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

Next, the transparent film substrate is peeled off from the copper plate, and the uneven shape is applied to the transparent film substrate (transparent film substrate + an alignment layer having two or more alignment portions with different thicknesses on the surface). Shaped. When the cross-sectional shape was observed with an SEM, unevenness with a step of 360 nm was alternately observed in a state in which stripes having a width of 500 μm composed of unevenness with a pitch of 200 nm were parallel.
Next, a solution obtained by adding 5% by weight of a photopolymerization initiator (Irgacure 184 manufactured by BASF Corporation) to a liquid crystal material solution represented by the following structural formula (A) dissolved in cyclohexanone at a solid content of 15% is added to the above-mentioned solution. Apply to the shaped transparent film with a spin coater so that the film thickness when dried and cured is 1 μm at the stripe convex part and 1.36 μm at the stripe concave part, dry at 80 ° C. for 10 minutes, cure by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, and phase difference A layer was formed. Thus, a pattern retardation film was obtained.

  The stripe of the electroluminescent display device in which the interval between the red and blue light emitting stripes is 500 μm and the stripe of the pattern phase difference are the red line and the thicker (1.36 μm), the blue line and the thinner one (1 μm). The layers were overlapped so that the polarizing axis of the polarizing plate was 45 ° with the slow axis of the retardation film. When the electroluminescent display device was turned on and irradiated with sunlight, the contrast was clearly improved in both red and blue compared to the case where no circularly polarizing plate was used.

[Comparative Example 1]
The alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate has a fine uneven shape on the surface, the entire surface has the same thickness, and the retardation layer has a liquid crystal film thickness of 1 μm over the entire surface. Similarly to Example 1, when the electroluminescent display device was turned on and irradiated with sunlight, the red contrast was lower than the blue contrast.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Transparent film base material 2 '... Orientation layer formation layer 2 ... Orientation layer 2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3, 2a'-1, 2a'-2, 2a'-3, 2b'-1, 2b'-2, 2b'-3, 2a "-1, 2a" -2, 2a "-3, 2b" -1, 2b "-2, 2b" -3 ... Orientation part 3 ... Retardation layer 3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3, 3a'-1, 3a'-2, 3a'-3, 3b'-1, 3b'-2, 3b'-3, 3a ''-1 3a "-2, 3a" -3, 3b "-1, 3b" -2, 3b "-3 ... retardation part 10 ... retardation film 12a ... first orientation region 12b ... second orientation Area 12a '... Thin film area 12b' ... Thick film area 13a ... First retardation area 13b ... Second retardation area 13a '... High retardation area 13b' ... Low retardation area 14 ... Antiglare layer or reflection Stop layer 20 ... Circularly polarizing plate for EL display device 21 ... Polarizer 22 ... Polarizing plate protective film 23 ... Adhesive layer 25 ... EL layer 30 ... Pattern retardation film for three-dimensional display 40 ... Roll mold 41 ... Base material 42a -1, 42a-2, 42a-3 ... Mold part 43 ... Resist 60 ... Alignment film

Claims (8)

A transparent film substrate;
An alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate;
A retardation layer containing a rod-shaped compound having a refractive index anisotropy formed on the alignment layer;
Have
The alignment layer has a fine concavo-convex shape on the surface, and further includes two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to the pattern of each color of the display device,
The retardation film includes a retardation part having a thickness different from that of the orientation part corresponding to the orientation part.   The retardation film according to claim 1, wherein the retardation film is long.   The retardation film according to claim 1, wherein the pattern of the orientation portions is a strip shape parallel to each other. The retardation film according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and
A polarizing plate formed on the retardation film and including a polarizer;
Have
The alignment direction of the rod-shaped compound of the alignment portion included in the alignment layer is the same direction,
A circularly polarizing plate for an electroluminescent display device, wherein an in-plane retardation value of the retardation portion corresponds to λ / 4 of each color. Having the retardation film according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The three-dimensional display pattern phase difference film, wherein the alignment layer includes a first alignment region in which the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in a certain direction and a second alignment region in which the rod-like compound is arranged in a direction different from the first alignment region. Having the retardation film according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The alignment layer has a thick film region having a large thickness and a thin film region having a thickness smaller than the thick film region,
3. The three-dimensional display pattern phase difference film, wherein the thick film region and the thin film region are arranged such that the rod-shaped compounds are arranged in the same direction. It is a manufacturing method of the phase contrast film according to claim 3,
A roll-shaped mold having a concavo-convex shape corresponding to the surface shape of the alignment layer and an alignment layer forming layer made of an alignment layer forming resin composition are brought into contact with each other, and then pressed to apply the alignment layer forming layer. A forming step of forming the uneven shape on the surface of the roll-shaped mold into,
After the molding step, a curing step for curing the alignment layer forming layer and a peeling step for peeling the alignment layer forming layer from the roll mold to form an alignment layer;
An application step of applying a retardation layer-forming coating solution containing the rod-shaped compound on the alignment layer;
An alignment step in which the rod-shaped compound contained in the coating film of the retardation layer forming coating solution is arranged along the forming direction of the fine irregularities formed on the surface of the alignment portion;
A method for producing a retardation film, comprising: A transparent film substrate;
An alignment layer formed on the transparent film substrate;
Have
An alignment film, wherein the alignment layer has a fine uneven shape on the surface, and further has two or more alignment portions having different thicknesses corresponding to patterns of each color of the display device.