JP6047010B2 - Manufacturing method of light diffusion film - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a light diffusion film.
In particular, a method for producing a light diffusing film that can easily obtain a light diffusing film having a column structure in the film for diffusing incident light in an isotropic manner while effectively suppressing the occurrence of streak unevenness in optical characteristics. About.

  Conventionally, for example, in the optical technical field to which a liquid crystal display device or the like belongs, a light diffusion film that diffuses incident light from a specific direction in a specific direction and allows incident light from other directions to pass straight through as it is Use is suggested.

As such a light diffusion film, various modes are known, and in particular, a plurality of columnar objects having a relatively high refractive index are forested in a region having a relatively low refractive index in the film. A light diffusion film having a column structure is widely known.
In addition, such a light diffusion film can be obtained by irradiating a coating layer made of a predetermined composition for light diffusion film with active energy rays having a high degree of parallelism. As a line light source, a large-scale and expensive parallel light source is usually used, which causes problems in terms of manufacturing efficiency and cost.

Then, without using a large and expensive parallel light source, a method for producing parallel light by combining a predetermined jig with a general linear light source and manufacturing a light diffusion film more easily is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).
That is, in Patent Document 1, a composition containing a photocurable compound is provided in a sheet shape, and the composition is cured by irradiating the sheet with a parallel light beam from a predetermined direction P, and parallel to the direction P inside the sheet. A method of manufacturing an anisotropic diffusion medium (light diffusion film) that forms an aggregate of a plurality of rod-shaped cured regions extending in a direction, and is arranged in parallel with direction P between a linear light source and a sheet There is disclosed a method for producing an anisotropic diffusion medium (light diffusion film), characterized in that a set of cylindrical objects is interposed and light irradiation is performed through the cylindrical objects.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-292219 (Claims)

However, when a light diffusing film is manufactured using the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, when viewed from above, a portion that becomes a shadow of a cylindrical object in a composition containing a photocurable compound provided in a sheet shape Since the active energy rays from the linear light source are difficult to be irradiated, there is a problem in that streak unevenness occurs in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusing film due to the uneven illuminance.
In addition, in order to suppress such streak unevenness, for example, the interval between the collection of cylindrical objects and the composition containing the photocurable compound is widened to blur shadows from the cylindrical objects, or the thickness of the cylindrical objects is reduced. Even if it is a case, the illumination intensity of the active energy ray with respect to the composition containing a photocurable compound will fall too much, or the problem that a cylindrical thing will be heated too much and distortion will arise will arise. .
Furthermore, if an attempt is made to suppress the influence of the shadow of the cylindrical object by relatively moving the aggregate of the cylindrical object and the composition containing the photocurable compound, an aggregate of the heavy cylindrical object In order to move the body continuously or intermittently, not only a very large facility is required, but also the problem that the vibration that occurs when moving the body adversely affects the accuracy of the obtained light diffusion film arises. .
Therefore, even when a linear light source is used, there has been a demand for a method for producing a light diffusing film that can effectively suppress the occurrence of streak unevenness in optical characteristics.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention made extensive efforts in view of the above circumstances, and when irradiating active energy rays using a linear light source, a predetermined gap between the linear light source and the coating layer was obtained. When the irradiation light collimating member is interposed and the arrangement angle of the irradiation light collimating member is set to a value within a predetermined range when viewed from above the coating layer, the occurrence of streak unevenness in the optical characteristics is effective. The present invention has been completed by finding that it can be suppressed.
That is, an object of the present invention is to easily obtain a light diffusing film having a column structure for diffusing isotropic light in an isotropic light while effectively suppressing the occurrence of streak unevenness in optical characteristics. It is providing the manufacturing method of a light-diffusion film.

According to this invention, the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film characterized by including the following process (a)-(d) is provided, and the problem mentioned above can be solved.
(A) A step of preparing a composition for light diffusion film (b) A step of applying the composition for light diffusion film to a step sheet and forming a coating layer (c) A plurality of cylindrical members arranged in parallel An irradiation light collimating member composed of an assembly, in which a plurality of cylindrical members have openings at upper and lower ends, between the linear light source and the coating layer, and active energy rays from the linear light source. It is a process of placing in the radiation area, and when viewed from above the coating layer, it is projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from the direction of movement of the coating layer and from above the coating layer. A step of arranging the irradiation light collimating member so that the acute angle θ1 formed by the imaginary straight line as a line to be a value of 10 ° or more (d) while moving the coating layer, linearly The process of irradiating the active energy ray from the light source through the irradiation light collimating member That is, in the method for producing a light diffusion film of the present invention, when irradiating active energy rays using a linear light source, a predetermined irradiation light collimating member is interposed between the linear light source and the coating layer. Therefore, the problem of production efficiency and cost due to the use of a large and expensive parallel light source can be avoided, and the light diffusion film can be easily produced.
Further, since the arrangement angle of the irradiation light collimating member is set to a value within a predetermined range when viewed from above the coating layer, the unevenness in illuminance due to the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member is suppressed, and thus obtained. The streak unevenness in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film can be effectively suppressed.
Therefore, according to the method for producing a light diffusing film of the present invention, a light diffusing film having a column structure for diffusing isotropic light in an isotropic light film while effectively suppressing the occurrence of streak unevenness in optical characteristics. Can be easily obtained.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of an opening part is a regular hexagon.
By carrying out in this way, the difference in the azimuth angle direction can be reduced with respect to the conversion performance to parallel light, and the absolute amount of shadow generated by the irradiated light collimating member is reduced by increasing the aperture ratio. be able to.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable to make the diameter of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of an opening part into the value within the range of 1-100 mm.
By implementing in this way, the irradiation light from a linear light source can be efficiently converted into parallel light having a predetermined parallelism.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable to make the length of the up-down direction in an irradiation light collimating member into the value within the range of 10-1000 mm.
By implementing in this way, the irradiation light from a linear light source can be more efficiently converted into parallel light having a predetermined parallelism.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable to make the thickness of the partition in a cylindrical member into the value within the range of 0.1-5 mm.
By carrying out like this, it is possible to effectively suppress the distortion of the cylindrical member caused by the active energy ray while suppressing the influence of the shadow by the irradiation light collimating member.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable to make the distance between the lower end of an irradiation light collimating member and a coating layer into the value within the range of 0.1-1000 mm.
By carrying out in this way, it is possible to irradiate the coating layer with a sufficient amount of active energy rays while more effectively suppressing the influence of the shadow caused by the irradiation light collimating member.

According to this invention, the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film characterized by including the following process (a)-(d) is provided, and the problem mentioned above can be solved.
(A) A step of preparing a composition for light diffusion film (b) A step of applying the composition for light diffusion film to a step sheet and forming a coating layer (c) A plurality of cylindrical members arranged in parallel An irradiation light collimating member composed of an assembly, in which a plurality of cylindrical members have openings at upper and lower ends, between the linear light source and the coating layer, and active energy rays from the linear light source. It is a process of placing in the radiation area, and when viewed from above the coating layer, it is projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from the direction of movement of the coating layer and from above the coating layer. The irradiation light collimating member is disposed so that the acute angle θ1 formed by all of the imaginary straight lines as a line to be set to a value of 10 ° or more (provided that the set of cylindrical objects is rotated in a circle, and Step (d ) except that a plurality of sets of linear light sources and cylindrical objects are installed in series. ) While moving the coating layer, the step of irradiating the coating layer with the active energy rays from the linear light source through the irradiation light collimating member, that is, the method for producing the light diffusion film of the present invention, When irradiating active energy rays using a linear light source, a predetermined irradiation light collimating member is interposed between the linear light source and the coating layer, so that a large and expensive parallel light source is used. A light diffusion film can be easily manufactured while avoiding problems of manufacturing efficiency and cost.
Further, since the arrangement angle of the irradiation light collimating member is set to a value within a predetermined range when viewed from above the coating layer, the unevenness in illuminance due to the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member is suppressed, and thus obtained. The streak unevenness in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film can be effectively suppressed.
Therefore, according to the method for producing a light diffusing film of the present invention, a light diffusing film having a column structure for diffusing isotropic light in an isotropic light film while effectively suppressing the occurrence of streak unevenness in optical characteristics. Can be easily obtained.

In carrying out the method for producing a light diffusion film of the present invention, in the step (d), the peak illuminance on the surface of the coating layer is set to a value within the range of 0.01 to 50 mW / cm ² , and The integrated light quantity on the surface is preferably set to a value in the range of 1 to 1000 mJ / cm ² .
By carrying out in this way, the column structure can be more stably formed in the film.
The peak illuminance here means a measured value at a portion where the active energy ray irradiated on the surface of the coating layer shows the maximum value.

Moreover, when implementing the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention, it is preferable to make the moving speed of a coating layer into the value within the range of 0.1-10 m / min in a process (d).
By implementing in this way, the illumination nonuniformity resulting from the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member can be suppressed more effectively.

In carrying out the method for producing a light diffusing film of the present invention, in the step (d), it is preferable to set the parallelism of the irradiation light parallelized through the irradiation light collimating member to a value of 10 ° or less. .
By carrying out in this way, the column structure can be formed more stably in the film.

1 (a) to 1 (b) are diagrams provided to explain the outline of a light diffusion film obtained by the production method of the present invention. FIGS. 2A to 2B are diagrams for explaining the incident angle dependency and isotropy in the light diffusion film obtained by the production method of the present invention. 3 (a) to 3 (c) are diagrams for explaining the outline of the production method of the present invention. FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams provided to explain the arrangement of the irradiation light collimating members. FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams provided to explain the virtual straight line. FIGS. 6A to 6D are other views provided for explaining the arrangement of the irradiation light collimating members. FIG. 7 is still another diagram for explaining the arrangement of the irradiation light collimating members. FIGS. 8A to 8B are diagrams provided for explaining the active energy ray irradiation process. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are diagrams provided to explain the aspect of the column structure. FIGS. 10A to 10B are photographs provided to explain the state of a plurality of cross sections having different ways of cutting in the light diffusion film of Example 1. FIG. FIGS. 11A to 11B are a photograph and a diagram provided to explain the light diffusion characteristics in the light diffusion film of Example 1. FIG. 12A and 12B are a photograph and a diagram provided to explain the occurrence of streak unevenness in the light diffusion film of Example 1. FIG. FIGS. 13A to 13B are photographs provided to explain the state of a plurality of cross sections having different ways of cutting in the light diffusion film of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 14A to 14B are a photograph and a diagram provided for explaining the light diffusion characteristics of the light diffusion film of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 15A and 15B are a photograph and a diagram provided for explaining the occurrence of streak unevenness in the light diffusion film of Comparative Example 1. FIG.

Embodiment of this invention is a manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film characterized by including the following process (a)-(d).
(A) A step of preparing a composition for light diffusion film (b) A step of applying the composition for light diffusion film to a step sheet and forming a coating layer (c) A plurality of cylindrical members arranged in parallel An irradiation light collimating member composed of an assembly, in which a plurality of cylindrical members have openings at upper and lower ends, between the linear light source and the coating layer, and active energy rays from the linear light source. It is a process of placing in the radiation area, and when viewed from above the coating layer, it is projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from the direction of movement of the coating layer and from above the coating layer. A step of arranging the irradiation light collimating member so that the acute angle θ1 formed by the imaginary straight line as a line to be a value of 10 ° or more (d) while moving the coating layer, linearly The process of irradiating the active energy ray from the light source through the irradiation light collimating member Under the embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, it will be specifically described, in order to facilitate the understanding of such description, first, a description will be given of the basic principle of light diffusion in the light diffusion film.

1. Basic Principle of Light Diffusion in Light Diffusion Film First, the basic principle of light diffusion in the light diffusion film will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 1A shows a top view (plan view) of the light diffusion film 10, and FIG. 1B shows the light diffusion film 10 shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view of the light diffusion film 10 when cut in the vertical direction along A and viewing the cut surface in the arrow direction is shown.
2A shows an overall view of the light diffusion film 10, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view when the light diffusion film 10 of FIG. 2A is viewed from the X direction. .
As shown in the plan view of FIG. 1A, the light diffusion film 10 has a column structure 13 including a columnar body 12 having a relatively high refractive index and a region 14 having a relatively low refractive index. ing.
Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1B, in the vertical direction of the light diffusion film 10, the columnar object 12 having a relatively high refractive index and the region 14 having a relatively low refractive index are respectively predetermined. It has the state of having the width | variety of and is the state arrange | positioned alternately.

Thereby, as shown to Fig.2 (a), when an incident angle is in a light diffusion incident angle area | region, it is estimated that incident light is diffused by the light-diffusion film 10. FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the light diffusion film 10 is a value within a predetermined angle range from parallel to the boundary surface 13 ′ of the column structure 13, that is, the light diffusion incident angle. When the value is within the region, the incident light (52, 54) passes through the columnar body 12 having a relatively high refractive index in the column structure along the film thickness direction while changing the direction. Thus, it is estimated that the traveling direction of light on the light exit surface side is not uniform.
As a result, when the incident angle is within the light diffusion incident angle region, it is estimated that the incident light is diffused by the light diffusion film 10 and becomes diffused light (52 ′, 54 ′).
On the other hand, when the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the light diffusion film 10 deviates from the light diffusion incident angle region, the incident light 56 is not diffused by the light diffusion film as shown in FIG. It is presumed that the light diffuses through the light diffusion film 10 as it is and becomes the transmitted light 56 '.
In the present invention, the “light diffusion incident angle region” refers to the angle of incident light corresponding to emitting diffused light when the angle of incident light from a point light source is changed with respect to the light diffusing film. Means range.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the “light diffusion incident angle region” is an angle region determined for each light diffusion film depending on a refractive index difference or an inclination angle of the column structure in the light diffusion film. is there.

Based on the above basic principle, the light diffusing film 10 provided with the column structure 13 can exhibit incident angle dependency in light transmission and diffusion as shown in FIG. 2A, for example.
Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the light-diffusion film which has the column structure 13 will usually have "isotropic".
Here, in the present invention, “isotropic” means that, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), when incident light is diffused by a film, the diffused emitted light is in a plane parallel to the film, This means that the light diffusion state (the shape of the spread of the diffused light) does not change depending on the direction in the same plane.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the degree of diffusion of the emitted light by the incident light of the point light source is projected in a plane parallel to the film.
In the present invention, in view of the technical field to which the light diffusion film is applied, the term “isotropy” does not necessarily mean only a perfect circular light diffusion condition, but a light diffusion condition. Is a concept including a substantially circular shape having a deviation of about ± 10%.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the present invention, when “incident angle θ2” of incident light is referred to, the incident angle θ2 is set to 0 ° with respect to the normal to the incident side surface of the light diffusion film. It means the angle (°).
In the present invention, the “light diffusion angle region” means an angle range of diffused light obtained by fixing a point light source at an angle at which incident light is most diffused with respect to the light diffusion film. Shall.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the “diffuse light opening angle” is the angular width (°) of the “light diffusion angle region” described above, and when the cross section of the film is viewed as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the opening angle θ3 of diffused light in FIG.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2A, the light diffusion film having the column structure has a different incident angle when the incident angle of the incident light is included in the light diffusion incident angle region. Thus, substantially the same light diffusion can be performed on the light exit surface side.
Therefore, it can be said that the obtained light-diffusion film has the condensing effect | action which concentrates light on a predetermined location.
In addition, the direction change of the incident light inside the columnar body 12 in the column structure is not only a step index type in which the direction changes linearly and zigzag by total reflection as shown in FIG. In some cases, the gradient index type changes direction.
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the interface between the columnar object 12 having a relatively high refractive index and the region 14 having a relatively low refractive index is represented by a straight line for the sake of simplicity. The interface is slightly meandering, and each columnar object forms a complex refractive index distribution structure with branching and extinction.
As a result, it is presumed that the non-uniform distribution of optical characteristics increases the light diffusibility.

2. Process (a): The process of preparing the composition for light-diffusion films This process is a process of preparing the predetermined composition for light-diffusion films.
More specifically, it is a step of mixing at least two polymerizable compounds having different refractive indexes, a photopolymerization initiator, and other additives as required.
In mixing, the mixture may be stirred as it is at room temperature. However, from the viewpoint of improving uniformity, for example, stirring is performed under a heating condition of 40 to 80 ° C. to obtain a uniform mixed solution. Is preferred.
Moreover, it is also preferable to add a dilution solvent so that it may become the desired viscosity suitable for coating.
Hereinafter, the composition for light diffusion films will be described more specifically.

(1) High Refractive Index Polymerizable Compound (1) -1 Type Among two polymerizable compounds having different refractive indices, a polymerizable compound having a relatively high refractive index (hereinafter sometimes referred to as component (A)). Type) is not particularly limited, but the main component is preferably a (meth) acrylic acid ester containing a plurality of aromatic rings.
The reason for this is that by including a specific (meth) acrylic acid ester as the component (A), the polymerization rate of the component (A) is changed to a polymerizable compound having a relatively low refractive index (hereinafter referred to as (B). It is presumed that the polymerization rate between these components can be effectively reduced by making the polymerization rate faster than the polymerization rate of the component)) It is to be done.
As a result, when photocured, a plurality of columnar objects having a relatively high refractive index derived from the component (A) are forested in a region where the refractive index derived from the component (B) is relatively low. The column structure can be formed efficiently.
In addition, by including a specific (meth) acrylic acid ester as the component (A), the monomer stage has sufficient compatibility with the component (B), but a plurality of stages in the polymerization process. Then, it is presumed that the column structure can be formed more efficiently by reducing the compatibility with the component (B) to a predetermined range.
Furthermore, by including a specific (meth) acrylic acid ester as the (A) component, the refractive index of the region derived from the (A) component in the column structure is increased, and the refraction of the region derived from the (B) component is increased. The difference from the rate can be adjusted to a value above a predetermined value.
Therefore, by including a specific (meth) acrylic acid ester as the component (A), coupled with the characteristics of the component (B) described later, the refractive index is relatively high in a region where the refractive index is relatively low. A column structure in which a plurality of pillars are planted can be obtained efficiently.
In addition, "(meth) acrylic acid ester containing a plurality of aromatic rings" means a compound having a plurality of aromatic rings in the ester residue portion of (meth) acrylic acid ester.
“(Meth) acrylic acid” means both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

  Examples of the (meth) acrylic acid ester containing a plurality of aromatic rings as the component (A) include, for example, biphenyl (meth) acrylate, naphthyl (meth) acrylate, anthracyl (meth) acrylate, Benzylphenyl (meth) acrylate, biphenyloxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, naphthyloxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, anthracyloxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, benzylphenyloxyalkyl (meth) acrylate, or aromatic Examples thereof include those in which a part of hydrogen atoms on the ring are substituted by halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkyl or the like.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the (meth) acrylic acid ester containing a plurality of aromatic rings as the component (A) includes a compound containing a biphenyl ring, and particularly includes a biphenyl compound represented by the following general formula (1). It is preferable.

(In General Formula (1), R ^{1 to} R ¹⁰ are each independent, and at least one of R ^{1 to} R ¹⁰ is a substituent represented by the following General Formula (2), and the rest is hydrogen. It is a substituent of any one of an atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, a carboxyalkyl group and a halogen atom.)

(In General Formula (2), R ¹¹ is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, carbon number n is an integer of 1 to 4, and repetition number m is an integer of 1 to 10.)

The reason for this is that by including a biphenyl compound having a specific structure as the component (A), a predetermined difference is caused in the polymerization rate of the component (A) and the component (B), and the component (A) and the component (B) This is because it is estimated that the compatibility between the two components can be reduced by reducing the compatibility with the component to a predetermined range.
Further, the refractive index of the region derived from the component (A) in the column structure can be increased, and the difference from the refractive index of the region derived from the component (B) can be more easily adjusted to a predetermined value or more. it can.

Moreover, when R < ¹ > -R < ¹⁰ > in General formula (1) contains either an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, and a carboxyalkyl group, carbon number of the alkyl part is set. A value in the range of 1 to 4 is preferable.
The reason for this is that when the number of carbon atoms exceeds 4, the polymerization rate of the component (A) decreases, the refractive index of the region derived from the component (A) becomes too low, and the column structure is reduced. This is because it may be difficult to form efficiently.
Therefore, when R ^{1 to} R ¹⁰ in the general formula (1) include any of an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, and a carboxyalkyl group, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl portion is determined. A value in the range of 1 to 3 is more preferable, and a value in the range of 1 to 2 is more preferable.

Moreover, it is preferable that R < ¹ > -R < ¹⁰ > in General formula (1) is a substituent other than a halogenated alkyl group or a halogen atom, ie, a halogen-free substituent.
This is because when the light diffusing film is discarded, generation of dioxins due to incineration can be prevented, which is preferable from the viewpoint of environmental protection.
In a light diffusing film having a conventional column structure, in order to obtain a predetermined column structure, halogen substitution is generally performed on the monomer component for the purpose of increasing the refractive index of the monomer component.
In this regard, the biphenyl compound represented by the general formula (1) can have a high refractive index even when halogen substitution is not performed.
Therefore, if it is a light-diffusion film formed by photocuring the composition for light-diffusion films in this invention, even if it does not contain a halogen, favorable incident angle dependence can be exhibited.
“Good incident angle dependency” means that the distinction between the light diffusion incident angle region and the non-diffuse incident angle region where the incident light is transmitted without being diffused is clearly controlled. .

Moreover, it is preferable that any one of R < ² > -R < ⁹ > in General formula (1) is a substituent represented by General formula (2).
This is because, by setting the position of the substituent represented by the general formula (2) to a position other than R ¹ and R ¹⁰ , the components (A) are oriented and crystallized in the stage before photocuring. This is because it can be effectively prevented.
Furthermore, it is liquid at the monomer stage before photocuring, and apparently can be uniformly mixed with the component (B) without using a diluting solvent or the like.
Thereby, in the stage of photocuring, the aggregation and phase separation of the component (A) and the component (B) can be performed at a fine level, and a light diffusion film having a column structure can be obtained more efficiently. Because.
Further, from the same viewpoint, it is particularly preferable that any one of R ³ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^{8 in} the general formula (1) is a substituent represented by the general formula (2).

Moreover, it is preferable to make the repeating number m in the substituent represented by General formula (2) into the integer of 1-10 normally.
The reason for this is that when the number of repetitions m exceeds 10, the oxyalkylene chain connecting the polymerization site and the biphenyl ring becomes too long, which may inhibit the polymerization of the components (A) at the polymerization site. Because.
Therefore, the repeating number m in the substituent represented by the general formula (2) is more preferably an integer of 1 to 4, and particularly preferably an integer of 1 to 2.
From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the carbon number n in the substituent represented by the general formula (2) is usually an integer of 1 to 4.
In addition, considering the position of the polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond that is the polymerization site is too close to the biphenyl ring, the biphenyl ring becomes sterically hindered, and the polymerization rate of the component (A) decreases, The carbon number n in the substituent represented by the general formula (2) is more preferably an integer of 2 to 4, and particularly preferably an integer of 2 to 3.

  In addition, specific examples of the biphenyl compound represented by the general formula (1) include compounds represented by the following formulas (3) to (4).

(1) -2 Molecular weight Moreover, it is preferable to make the molecular weight of (A) component into the value within the range of 200-2,500.
The reason for this is that by setting the molecular weight of component (A) within a predetermined range, the polymerization rate of component (A) can be further increased, and the copolymerizability of component (A) and component (B) can be made more effective. This is because it is estimated that it can be lowered.
As a result, when photocured, a plurality of columnar objects having a relatively high refractive index derived from the component (A) are forested in a region where the refractive index derived from the component (B) is relatively low. The column structure can be formed more efficiently.
That is, when the molecular weight of the component (A) is less than 200, the polymerization rate decreases due to steric hindrance, becomes close to the polymerization rate of the component (B), and copolymerization with the component (B) is likely to occur. Because there is. On the other hand, when the molecular weight of the component (A) exceeds 2,500, the polymerization rate of the component (A) decreases as the difference in molecular weight with the component (B) decreases. This is because it is presumed that the polymerization rate of the component becomes close and copolymerization with the component (B) is likely to occur, and as a result, it may be difficult to efficiently form the column structure.
Therefore, the molecular weight of the component (A) is more preferably set to a value within the range of 240 to 1,500, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 260 to 1,000.
The molecular weight of component (A) can be determined from the calculated value obtained from the molecular composition and the atomic weight of the constituent atoms, and can also be measured as a weight average molecular weight using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). .

(1) -3 Single use Moreover, although the composition for light diffusion films in this invention contains (A) component as a monomer component which forms the area | region where the refractive index in a column structure is relatively high, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. , (A) component is preferably contained as one component.
The reason for this is that the light having the column structure can be effectively suppressed by suppressing the dispersion of the refractive index in the region derived from the component (A), that is, the columnar object having a relatively high refractive index. This is because the diffusion film can be obtained more efficiently.
That is, when the compatibility with the component (B) in the component (A) is low, for example, when the component (A) is a halogen compound, the third component for compatibilizing the component (A) with the component (B) In other cases, other components (A) (for example, non-halogen compounds) are used in combination.
However, in this case, due to the influence of the third component, the refractive index in a region where the refractive index derived from the component (A) is relatively high may vary or be easily lowered.
As a result, the refractive index difference from the region having a relatively low refractive index derived from the component (B) may become non-uniform or may be excessively lowered.
Therefore, it is preferable to select a monomer component having a high refractive index that is compatible with the component (B) and use it as the sole component (A).
For example, since the biphenyl compound represented by the formula (3) as the component (A) has a low viscosity, it has compatibility with the component (B), so it is used as a single component (A). can do.

(1) -4 Refractive index Moreover, it is preferable to make the refractive index of (A) component into the value within the range of 1.5-1.65.
This is because the difference between the refractive index of the region derived from the component (A) and the refractive index of the region derived from the component (B) is obtained by setting the refractive index of the component (A) within the range. This is because the light diffusing film having the column structure can be adjusted more easily and more efficiently.
That is, when the refractive index of the component (A) is less than 1.5, the difference from the refractive index of the component (B) becomes too small, and it may be difficult to obtain an effective light diffusion angle region. Because there is. On the other hand, when the refractive index of the component (A) exceeds 1.65, the difference with the refractive index of the component (B) increases, but even an apparent compatibility state with the component (B) is formed. This is because it may be difficult.
Therefore, the refractive index of the component (A) is more preferably set to a value within the range of 1.52 to 1.62, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 1.56 to 1.6.
In addition, the refractive index of (A) component mentioned above means the refractive index of (A) component before hardening by light irradiation.
The refractive index can be measured according to, for example, JIS K0062.

(1) -5 Content Further, the content of the component (A) in the composition for light diffusion film is 100 parts by weight of the component (B) which is a polymerizable compound having a relatively low refractive index, which will be described later. A value within the range of 25 to 400 parts by weight is preferred.
The reason for this is that when the content of the component (A) is less than 25 parts by weight, the ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) decreases and the width of the columnar material derived from the component (A) is reduced. This is because it may be excessively small and it may be difficult to obtain a column structure having good incident angle dependency. Moreover, it is because the length of the columnar thing in the thickness direction of a light-diffusion film becomes inadequate, and may not show light diffusibility. On the other hand, when the content of the component (A) exceeds 400 parts by weight, the ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) increases, and the width of the columnar material derived from the component (A) is excessive. This is because, on the contrary, it may be difficult to obtain a column structure having a good incident angle dependency. Moreover, it is because the length of the columnar thing in the thickness direction of a light-diffusion film becomes inadequate, and may not show light diffusibility.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the content of the component (A) to a value within the range of 40 to 300 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the component (B), and a value within the range of 50 to 200 parts by weight. More preferably.

(2) Low Refractive Index Polymerizable Compound (2) -1 Type Among the two polymerizable compounds having different refractive indexes, the type of the polymerizable compound having the relatively low refractive index (component (B)) is particularly The main component is not limited, and examples thereof include urethane (meth) acrylate, (meth) acrylic polymer having (meth) acryloyl group in the side chain, (meth) acryloyl group-containing silicone resin, unsaturated polyester resin, and the like. In particular, urethane (meth) acrylate is preferable.
The reason for this is that if it is urethane (meth) acrylate, the difference between the refractive index of the region derived from the component (A) and the refractive index of the region derived from the component (B) can be adjusted more easily. (B) It is because the dispersion | distribution of the refractive index of the area | region derived from a component can be suppressed effectively, and the light-diffusion film provided with the column structure can be obtained more efficiently.
Therefore, in the following, urethane (meth) acrylate as the component (B) will be mainly described.
In addition, (meth) acrylate means both acrylate and methacrylate.

First, urethane (meth) acrylate is (B1) a compound containing at least two isocyanate groups, (B2) a polyol compound, preferably a diol compound, particularly preferably a polyalkylene glycol, and (B3) a hydroxyalkyl (meth). Formed from acrylate.
The component (B) includes an oligomer having a urethane bond repeating unit.
Among these, as the compound containing at least two isocyanate groups as the component (B1), for example, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, 1,3-xylylene diisocyanate Arocyclic polyisocyanates such as aromatic polyisocyanates such as 1,4-xylylene diisocyanate, aliphatic polyisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydrogenated diphenylmethane diisocyanate, etc. Isocyanates and their biurets, isocyanurates, and adducts that are a reaction with low molecular weight active hydrogen-containing compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, castor oil (for example, Xylylene diisocyanate Inert based trifunctional adduct), and the like.

Moreover, among the above-mentioned, it is especially preferable that it is an alicyclic polyisocyanate.
This is because, in the case of alicyclic polyisocyanates, compared to aliphatic polyisocyanates, it is easy to provide a difference in the reaction rate of each isocyanate group due to the conformation and the like.
This suppresses that the (B1) component reacts only with the (B2) component, or the (B1) component reacts only with the (B3) component, and the (B1) component is converted into the (B2) component and (B3) It can react reliably with a component and generation | occurrence | production of an extra by-product can be prevented.
As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress variations in the refractive index of the region derived from the component (B) in the column structure, that is, the low refractive index region.

Moreover, if it is an alicyclic polyisocyanate, compared with an aromatic polyisocyanate, compatibility of the obtained (B) component and (A) component will be reduced to a predetermined range, and column structure may be reduced. It can be formed more efficiently.
Furthermore, if it is an alicyclic polyisocyanate, compared with an aromatic polyisocyanate, the refractive index of the (B) component obtained can be made small, Therefore The difference with the refractive index of (A) component is shown. This makes it possible to more efficiently form a column structure with high uniformity of diffused light within the light diffusion angle region, as well as more reliably exhibiting light diffusibility.
Of these alicyclic polyisocyanates, alicyclic diisocyanates containing only two isocyanate groups are preferred.
This is because if it is an alicyclic diisocyanate, it can react quantitatively with the component (B2) and the component (B3) to obtain a single component (B).
As such an alicyclic diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) can be particularly preferably mentioned.
This is because an effective difference can be provided in the reactivity of the two isocyanate groups.

Among the components that form urethane (meth) acrylate, examples of the polyalkylene glycol (B2) include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, and polyhexylene glycol. Particularly preferred is glycol.
The reason for this is that polypropylene glycol can be handled without a solvent because the resulting urethane (meth) acrylate has a low viscosity.
Moreover, if it is a polypropylene glycol, when it hardens | cures (B) component, it becomes a favorable soft segment in the said hardened | cured material, and it is because the handling property and mounting property of a light-diffusion film can be improved effectively. is there.
The weight average molecular weight of the component (B) can be adjusted mainly by the weight average molecular weight of the component (B2). Here, the weight average molecular weight of (B2) component is 2,300-19,500 normally, Preferably it is 4,300-14,300, Most preferably, it is 6,300-12,300.

Moreover, as a hydroxyalkyl (meth) acrylate which is a (B3) component among the components which form urethane (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, 3 -Hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate, etc. are mentioned.
Further, from the viewpoint of reducing the polymerization rate of the obtained urethane (meth) acrylate and more efficiently forming a predetermined column structure, hydroxyalkyl methacrylate is more preferable, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate is particularly preferable. Is more preferable.

Moreover, the synthesis | combination of the urethane (meth) acrylate by (B1)-(B3) component can be implemented in accordance with a conventional method.
At this time, the blending ratio of the components (B1) to (B3) is preferably set to a ratio of (B1) component: (B2) component: (B3) component = 1-5: 1: 1-5 in molar ratio. .
The reason for this is that by setting such a blending ratio, one isocyanate group of the component (B1) reacts and binds to the two hydroxyl groups of the component (B2), and two more components (B1) This is because the urethane (meth) acrylate in which the hydroxyl group of the component (B3) reacts with and bonds to the other isocyanate group possessed by each can be synthesized efficiently.
Therefore, the blending ratio of the components (B1) to (B3) is preferably set to a ratio of (B1) component: (B2) component: (B3) component = 1-3: 1: 1-3 in molar ratio. Preferably, the ratio is 2: 1: 2.

(2) -2 Weight average molecular weight Moreover, it is preferable to make the weight average molecular weight of (B) component into the value within the range of 3,000-20,000.
This is because, by setting the weight average molecular weight of the component (B) within a predetermined range, a predetermined difference is caused in the polymerization rate of the component (A) and the component (B), and the copolymerizability of both components is effectively improved. This is because it can be lowered.
As a result, when photocured, a plurality of columnar objects having a relatively high refractive index derived from the component (A) are forested in a region where the refractive index derived from the component (B) is relatively low. The column structure can be formed efficiently.
That is, when the weight average molecular weight of the component (B) is less than 3,000, the polymerization rate of the component (B) is increased to be close to the polymerization rate of the component (A). This is because polymerization tends to occur, and as a result, it may be difficult to efficiently form a column structure. On the other hand, when the weight average molecular weight of the component (B) exceeds 20,000, the refractive index derived from the component (A) is relatively low in the region where the refractive index derived from the component (B) is relatively low. It becomes difficult to form a column structure in which a plurality of columnar objects that are high in terms of nature are formed, or the compatibility with the component (A) is excessively lowered, and the component (A) is deposited at the coating stage. It is because there is a case to do.
Therefore, the weight average molecular weight of the component (B) is more preferably set to a value within the range of 5,000 to 15,000, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 7,000 to 13,000.
In addition, the weight average molecular weight of (B) component can be measured using a gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

(2) -3 Single use Moreover, although the (B) component may use together 2 or more types from which molecular structure and a weight average molecular weight differ, the dispersion | variation in the refractive index of the area | region derived from the (B) component in column structure From the viewpoint of suppressing the above, it is preferable to use only one type.
That is, when a plurality of components (B) are used, the refractive index in the region where the refractive index derived from the component (B) is relatively low varies or increases, and the refractive index derived from the component (A) This is because the difference in refractive index from the relatively high region may become non-uniform or excessively decrease.

(2) -4 Refractive index Moreover, it is preferable to make the refractive index of (B) component into the value within the range of 1.4-1.55.
This is because the difference between the refractive index of the region derived from the component (A) and the refractive index of the region derived from the component (B) is obtained by setting the refractive index of the component (B) within the range. This is because the light diffusing film having the column structure can be adjusted more easily and more efficiently.
That is, when the refractive index of the component (B) is less than 1.4, the difference from the refractive index of the component (A) increases, but the compatibility with the component (A) is extremely deteriorated, and the column structure It is because there exists a possibility that it cannot form. On the other hand, when the refractive index of the component (B) exceeds 1.55, the difference from the refractive index of the component (A) becomes too small, making it difficult to obtain the desired incident angle dependency. Because there is.
Therefore, the refractive index of the component (B) is more preferably set to a value within the range of 1.45 to 1.54, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 1.46 to 1.52.
In addition, the refractive index of (B) component mentioned above means the refractive index of (B) component before hardening by light irradiation.
The refractive index can be measured, for example, according to JIS K0062.

The difference between the refractive index of the component (A) and the refractive index of the component (B) is preferably set to a value of 0.01 or more.
The reason for this is that a light diffusion film having a better incident angle dependency in light transmission and diffusion and a wider light diffusion incident angle region is obtained by setting the difference in refractive index to a value within a predetermined range. Because it can.
That is, when the difference in refractive index is less than 0.01, the angle range in which incident light is totally reflected in the column structure is narrowed, so that the opening angle in light diffusion may be excessively narrowed. is there. On the other hand, if the difference in refractive index is an excessively large value, the compatibility between the component (A) and the component (B) is excessively deteriorated and the column structure may not be formed.
Therefore, the difference between the refractive index of the component (A) and the refractive index of the component (B) is more preferably set to a value in the range of 0.05 to 0.5, More preferably, the value is within the range.
In addition, the refractive index of (A) component and (B) component here means the refractive index of (A) component and (B) component before hardening by light irradiation.

(2) -5 Content Further, the content of the component (B) in the composition for light diffusion film is within the range of 10 to 80% by weight with respect to 100% by weight of the total amount of the composition for light diffusion film. It is preferable to use a value.
The reason for this is that when the content of the component (B) is less than 10% by weight, the ratio of the component (B) to the component (A) decreases, and the region derived from the component (B) becomes (A This is because it may be too small compared with the region derived from the component, and it may be difficult to obtain a column structure having good incident angle dependency. On the other hand, when the content of the component (B) exceeds 80% by weight, the ratio of the component (B) to the component (A) increases, and the region derived from the component (B) becomes (A) This is because it becomes excessively large as compared with the region derived from the components, and conversely, it may be difficult to obtain a column structure having good incident angle dependency.
Therefore, it is more preferable to make content of (B) component into the value within the range of 20 to 70 weight% with respect to 100 weight% of the total amount of the composition for light diffusion films, More preferably, the value is within the range.

(3) Photopolymerization initiator Moreover, in the composition for light diffusion films in this invention, it is preferable to contain a photoinitiator as (C) component as needed.
This is because a column structure can be formed efficiently when the composition for a light diffusion film is irradiated with active energy rays by containing a photopolymerization initiator.
Here, the photopolymerization initiator refers to a compound that generates radical species by irradiation with active energy rays such as ultraviolet rays.

Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, benzoin-n-butyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether, acetophenone, dimethylaminoacetophenone, and 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone. 2,2-diethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, 2-methyl-1- [4- (methylthio) phenyl] 2-morpholino-propan-1-one, 4- (2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl-2- (hydroxy-2-propyl) ketone, benzophenone, p-phenylbenzophenone, 4,4-diethyl Minobenzophenone, dichlorobenzophenone, 2-methylanthraquinone, 2-ethylanthraquinone, 2-tertiarybutylanthraquinone, 2-aminoanthraquinone, 2-methylthioxanthone, 2-ethylthioxanthone, 2-chlorothioxanthone, 2,4-dimethylthioxanthone, 2,4-diethylthioxanthone, benzyldimethyl ketal, acetophenone dimethyl ketal, p-dimethylamine benzoate, oligo [2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1- [4- (1-methylvinyl) phenyl] propane and the like Of these, one of them may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.
In addition, as content in the case of containing a photoinitiator, it is set as the value within the range of 0.2-20 weight part with respect to 100 weight part of total amounts of (A) component and (B) component. Preferably, the value is in the range of 0.5 to 15 parts by weight, and more preferably in the range of 1 to 10 parts by weight.

(4) Other Additives Additives other than the above-described compounds can be appropriately added within a range not impairing the effects of the present invention.
Examples of such additives include antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, antistatic agents, polymerization accelerators, polymerization inhibitors, infrared absorbers, plasticizers, diluent solvents, and leveling agents.
In general, the content of such additives is preferably set to a value in the range of 0.01 to 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B). The value is more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 3 parts by weight, and still more preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2 parts by weight.

3. Step (b): Application Step The step (b) is a step of forming the coating layer 1 by applying the light diffusion film composition to the step sheet 2 as shown in FIG.
Either a plastic film or paper can be used as the process sheet.
Among these, examples of the plastic film include polyester films such as polyethylene terephthalate films, polyolefin films such as polyethylene films and polypropylene films, cellulose films such as triacetyl cellulose films, and polyimide films.
Examples of the paper include glassine paper, coated paper, and laminated paper.
In addition, as a process sheet | seat, since it is excellent in sheet | seat strength and surface smoothness, it is preferable that it is a plastic film.
Moreover, when the process mentioned later is considered, as the process sheet | seat 2, it is more preferable that it is a plastic film excellent in the dimensional stability with respect to a heat | fever or an active energy ray.
As such a plastic film, among those described above, a polyester film, a polyolefin film and a polyimide film are preferably exemplified.

In addition, for the process sheet, a release layer is provided on the application surface side of the composition for light diffusion film in the process sheet in order to easily peel the obtained light diffusion film from the process sheet after photocuring. Is preferred.
Such a release layer can be formed using a conventionally known release agent such as a silicone release agent, a fluorine release agent, an alkyd release agent, and an olefin release agent.
In addition, it is preferable that the thickness of a process sheet | seat is normally set to the value within the range of 25-200 micrometers.

  Examples of the method for applying the light diffusing film composition on the process sheet include conventionally known methods such as knife coating, roll coating, bar coating, blade coating, die coating, and gravure coating. Can be performed.

Moreover, it is preferable to make the film thickness of a coating layer into the value within the range of 80-700 micrometers.
This is because the column structure can be formed more efficiently by setting the thickness of the coating layer to a value within this range.
That is, when the thickness of the coating layer is less than 80 μm, the length of the column structure to be formed is insufficient, and the incident light that goes straight through the column structure increases, and the diffused light within the light diffusion angle region This is because it may be difficult to obtain uniformity in strength. On the other hand, when the thickness of the coating layer exceeds 700 μm, when the column structure is formed by irradiating the coating layer with active energy rays, the progress of the photopolymerization is determined by the initially formed column structure. This is because diffusion may occur and it may be difficult to form a desired column structure.
Therefore, the thickness of the coating layer is more preferably set to a value within the range of 100 to 500 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 120 to 300 μm.

4). Step (c): Arrangement Step of Irradiation Light Parallelizing Member As shown in FIG. 3B, the step (c) is composed of an assembly of a plurality of cylindrical members 210a arranged in parallel, and has a plurality of cylindrical shapes. The irradiation light collimating member 200 a having openings 212 a at the upper and lower ends of the member 210 a is disposed between the linear light source 125 and the coating layer 1 and in the active energy ray emission region from the linear light source 125. 4A, when viewed from above the coating layer 1, the moving direction E of the coating layer 1 and the irradiation light collimating member 200a from above the coating layer 1 are arranged. Irradiation is performed so that an acute angle θ1a (θ1a1, θ1a2, θ1a3) formed by a virtual straight line Ka (Ka1, Ka2, Ka3) as a line projected downward when light is applied becomes a value of 10 ° or more. This is a step of arranging the light collimating member 200a.
3B and 4A, as an irradiation light collimating member, an irradiation light collimating member 200a in which the cross-sectional shape of the opening in the cylindrical member is a regular hexagon is described as an example.
In the following, unless otherwise specified, the irradiation light collimating member 200a in which the cross-sectional shape of the opening in the cylindrical member is a regular hexagon is described as an example of the irradiation light collimating member for convenience of explanation. It does not mean that the irradiation light collimating member of the present invention is limited to this.
In addition, the “aggregate of a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in parallel” is used. However, from the viewpoint of converting direct light from the linear light source into parallel light, it is only necessary to be substantially parallel.
Further, “between the linear light source 125 and the coating layer 1 and in the radiation region of the active energy rays from the linear light source 125” means, for example, as shown in FIG. When the active energy ray is irradiated vertically downward from above, the light source 125 is vertically below the linear light source 125 and vertically above the coating layer 1.

Here, in order to form a column structure in the film, it is necessary to irradiate the coating layer with substantially parallel light that does not spread even when viewed from any direction, that is, parallel light.
In this regard, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the cylindrical member 210a is composed of an assembly of a plurality of cylindrical members 210a arranged in parallel, and the plurality of cylindrical members 210a have openings 212a at the upper and lower ends. The irradiation light collimating member 200a is arranged between the linear light source 125 and the coating layer 1 and in the radiation region of the active energy ray 50 from the linear light source, and then activated from the linear light source 125. By irradiating energy rays, the coating layer 1 is irradiated with parallel light.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, the irradiation light collimating member 200 a is a direction parallel to the axial direction of the linear light source 125 in which the light direction is random among the active energy rays 50 by the linear light source 125. The active energy rays 50 generated by the linear light source 125 can be easily converted into parallel light 60 by unifying the direction of light using the plurality of cylindrical members 210a.
More specifically, light having low parallelism with respect to the plurality of tubular members 210a among the active energy rays 50 by the linear light source 125 is absorbed by the inner wall of the tubular member 210a.
Therefore, only light having a high degree of parallelism with respect to the plurality of tubular members 210a, that is, light parallel in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the linear light source 125 passes through the irradiation light collimating member 200a. The active energy ray 50 generated by the linear light source 125 is parallel light (parallel) by the irradiation light collimating member 200a in which the vector of the active energy line parallel to the axial direction of the linear light source 125 and the vector of the active energy line in the vertical direction are parallel. Light) 60.
Of the active energy rays 50 generated by the linear light source 125, in the component perpendicular to the axial direction of the linear light source 125, the traveling direction is basically unified in a substantially parallel manner, but has a slight spread. There is.
In this respect, if the irradiation light collimating member 200a is composed of an assembly of a plurality of cylindrical members 210a, the direction of light can be unified even in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the linear light source 125. The active energy ray 50 generated by the linear light source 125 can be converted into parallel light 60 having a higher degree of parallelism.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the present invention, when viewed from above the coating layer 1, the moving direction E of the coating layer 1 and the irradiation light collimating member 200a from above the coating layer 1 are applied. Irradiation is performed so that an acute angle θ1a (θ1a1, θ1a2, θ1a3) formed by a virtual straight line Ka (Ka1, Ka2, Ka3) as a line projected downward when light is applied becomes a value of 10 ° or more. A light collimating member is disposed.
The reason for this is that by arranging the predetermined irradiation light collimating member in this way, the illuminance unevenness caused by the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member is suppressed, and consequently the stripe unevenness in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film is effective. This is because it can be suppressed.
That is, when the acute angle θ1 (in the case of FIG. 4A, any one of θ1a1, θ1a2, and θ1a3) is less than 10 °, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, On the surface of the coating layer moving under the irradiation light, from the beginning to the end, a portion that does not become a shadow of a continuum of partition walls corresponding to a virtual straight line Ka whose acute angle θ1 is less than 10 °, and the partition walls temporarily The two types of portions that are shadows of the continuum are likely to occur, and clear illuminance unevenness occurs between these two types of portions. This is because streak unevenness is likely to occur in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film. 4B to 4D show cases where the acute angles θ1a1, θ1a2, and θ1a3 formed by the moving direction E of the coating layer 1 and the virtual straight lines Ka1, Ka2, and Ka3 are 0 °, respectively. ing.
Therefore, when viewed from above the coating layer, the moving direction of the coating layer, and a virtual straight line as a line projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from above the coating layer, Is more preferably set to a value within the range of 20 to 90 °, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 30 to 70 °.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D, the generation of unevenness of muscle and the suppression thereof will be described more specifically.
That is, FIG. 4A shows a case where the irradiation light collimating member 200a is arranged so that all of θ1a1, θ1a2, and θ1a3 have values of 10 ° or more, and FIGS. ) And (d) show the case where the irradiation light collimating member 200a is arranged so that θ1a1, θ1a2, and θ1a3 are 0 °, respectively.
First, in the case of FIG. 4 (a), as the coating layer 1 moves, the shadowed portions of the partition walls of the individual cylindrical members 210a in the coating layer 1 always change without being fixed at the same location. It is understood to continue.
Therefore, in the coating layer 1, it is possible to effectively suppress the illuminance unevenness of the irradiation light caused by the shadow of the partition wall of the cylindrical member 210a, and thereby effectively suppress the streak unevenness in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film. it can.

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 4B, even when the coating layer 1 moves, the shadowed portions of the partition walls of the individual cylindrical members 210a in the coating layer 1 are continuous barrier ribs corresponding to the virtual straight line Ka1. It is understood that it is fixed at the same location directly under the body.
Therefore, in the coating layer 1, the uneven illuminance of the irradiated light due to the shadow of the barrier rib continuum becomes prominent, and as a result, uneven streaks occur in the optical characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film.
In FIG. 4B, the case of θ1a1 = 0 ° is given as an example. However, even when θ1a1 is less than 10 °, there is an influence of the moving speed of the coating layer, which is almost the same as the case of θ1a1 = 0 °. As a result, the unevenness of the lines is likely to occur.
More specifically, on the surface of the coating layer that moves below the irradiation light, a portion that does not become a shadow of the partition continuum corresponding to the virtual straight line Ka1 from the beginning to the end, and a shadow of the partition continuum temporarily. And two types of parts are likely to occur, and streak unevenness is likely to occur between these two types of parts.

FIG. 4C shows the same case as FIG. 4B except that the acute angle θ1a2 = 0 ° formed by the virtual straight line Ka2 and the moving direction of the coating layer is shown in FIG. It is understood that streak unevenness is likely to occur as in the case of.
Further, FIG. 4D shows a case similar to FIG. 4B except that the virtual straight line is set to an acute angle θ1a3 = 0 ° formed by Ka3 and the moving direction of the coating layer. As in the case of (), it is understood that streaks are likely to occur.

Next, the virtual straight line in the present invention will be described more specifically.
That is, the virtual straight line in the present invention is defined as a line projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from above the coating layer. More specifically, the virtual straight line is as follows. Defined.
That is, when the irradiation light collimating member is viewed from above the coating layer, on the surface of the irradiation light collimating member,
(I) When a straight line passing only on the partition wall of the cylindrical member can be drawn without crossing the opening, such a straight line is set as a virtual straight line.
(Ii) If the virtual straight line defined in (i) cannot be drawn, the center line of the strip-shaped part extending in one direction while including the continuous body of the partition walls of the cylindrical member inside is the second virtual straight line. And

For example, FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining an imaginary straight line when the cross-sectional shape of the opening in the cylindrical member is a regular square.
Here, since the straight line la1 can draw a straight line passing only on the partition wall of the cylindrical member without crossing the opening, it is true that the straight line la1 falls under the definition (i) and corresponds to the virtual straight line of the present invention.
It is also obvious that when the coating layer is moved along the straight line la1, illuminance unevenness occurs in the coating layer, and as a result, streak unevenness occurs.
On the other hand, FIG. 5A corresponds to the case where the virtual straight line is defined by the definition (i) as described above, and therefore the straight line la2 does not correspond to the virtual straight line of the present invention.
Here, when the coating layer is moved along the straight line la2, the portion included inside the belt-shaped portion ra is below the partition wall meandering along the straight line la2 that is the center line, and on both sides of the belt-shaped portion ra. Will pass twice as many times.
Therefore, since the illuminance immediately below the boundary portion on both sides of the strip-shaped portion ra is larger than the illuminance directly below the inner portion, illuminance unevenness occurs, but the boundary portions on both sides of the strip-shaped portion ra Since there is almost no width, the illuminance unevenness does not cause streak unevenness in the optical characteristics of the light diffusion film.

Next, FIG.5 (b) is a figure for demonstrating the virtual straight line in case the cross-sectional shape of the opening part in a cylindrical member is a rectangle.
Here, it can be understood that the straight line lb1 corresponds to the virtual straight line of the present invention because it corresponds to the above-described definition (i).
It is also obvious that when the coating layer is moved along the straight line lb1, illuminance unevenness occurs in the coating layer, and as a result, streaks are uneven.
On the other hand, the straight line lb2 does not correspond to the second virtual straight line of the present invention for the same reason as the case of la2 in FIG. 5A, and even when the coating layer is moved along the straight line lb2. The streak unevenness in the optical characteristics of the light diffusing film does not occur.

Next, FIG.5 (c) is a figure for demonstrating the virtual straight line in case the cross-sectional shape of the opening part in a cylindrical member is a regular hexagon.
Here, since the straight line lc cannot draw a straight line passing only on the partition wall of the cylindrical member without crossing the opening, it does not apply to the definition (i) described above.
Therefore, the straight line lc that is the center line of the strip-shaped portion rc that extends in one direction while including the continuous body of the partition walls of the cylindrical member is applied to the definition (ii) and corresponds to the virtual straight line of the present invention. .
Here, when the coating layer is moved along the straight line lc, a portion included inside the band-shaped part rc is below the adjacent band-shaped part rc under the partition meandering along the straight line lc that is the center line. It will pass twice as many times as the part contained inside '.
In addition, since the partition in the portion included inside the strip rc ′ is in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the coating layer, the influence of the shadow of the partition is only the thickness of the partition, but the strip rc In the partition walls meandering along the straight line lc on the inner side, the influence is 2 / √3 times the thickness of the partition walls, and the influence of the shadow on the coating layer is larger than that on the inside of the strip-shaped part rc ′.
Furthermore, the width of the strip portion rc is a size that cannot be ignored compared to the width of the strip portion rc ′.
As a result, significant illuminance unevenness occurs between the portion included inside the band-shaped portion rc and the portion included inside the band-shaped portion rc ′. As a result, unevenness in the optical characteristics of the light diffusion film occurs. It will be.

Finally, FIG. 5D is a diagram for explaining a virtual straight line in the case where the cross-sectional shape of the opening in the tubular member is a long hexagon (a regular hexagon that is extended in the vertical direction).
Also in this case, the straight line ld corresponds to the virtual straight line of the present invention for the same reason as the case of lc in FIG.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, various virtual straight line K patterns are generated by the cross-sectional shapes 212 of the plurality of cylindrical members 210 in the irradiation light collimating member 200.
More specifically, FIGS. 6A to 6D show cases where the cross-sectional shapes of the openings are a regular hexagon, a regular square, a circle, and a regular triangle, respectively.
First, as can be seen from FIG. 6A, when the sectional shape of the opening is a regular hexagon, when viewed from above, three virtual straight lines Ka (Ka1, Ka2, Ka3) will be present.
As can be seen from FIG. 6B, when the cross-sectional shape of the opening is a regular square, two virtual straight lines Kb (Kb1, Kb2) having different angles in units of 90 ° when viewed from above. Will exist.
Further, as can be seen from FIG. 6C, when the cross-sectional shape of the opening is a circle, three virtual straight lines Kc (Kc1, Kc2, Kc3) having different angles in units of 60 ° when viewed from above. ) Will exist.
Further, as can be seen from FIG. 6 (d), when the cross-sectional shape of the opening is an equilateral triangle, when viewed from above, three virtual straight lines Kd (Kd1, Kd2, Kd3) exists.

Further, the sectional shape of the opening is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the sectional shape of the opening is a regular hexagon as shown in FIG.
The reason for this is that by making the cross-sectional shape of the opening in this way, the difference in the azimuth angle direction can be reduced with respect to the parallel light conversion performance, and the aperture ratio is increased to increase the irradiation light collimating member. This is because it is possible to reduce the absolute amount of shadows generated by.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the cross-sectional shape of the opening is a regular square, the anisotropy is higher in the light diffusion characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film because the anisotropy is higher than that of the regular hexagon. May occur.
Also, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), if the cross-sectional shape of the opening is a circle, the aperture ratio tends to be small, or the cross-sectional shape of the opening is an equilateral triangle as shown in FIG. 7 (d). Then, anisotropy may arise in the light-diffusion characteristic of the obtained light-diffusion film similarly to the case of a regular square.

6A to 6D, the circumscribed circle diameter L1 (L1a, L1b, L1c, L1d) in the cross-sectional shape of the opening 212 (212a, 212b, 212c, 212d) is 1 to 100 mm. It is preferable to set the value within the range.
This is because the irradiation light from the linear light source is efficiently converted into parallel light having a predetermined parallelism by setting the diameter L1 of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the opening to a value within this range. It is because it can do.
That is, when the diameter L1 of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the opening is less than 1 mm, the number of cylindrical members constituting the irradiation light collimating member is excessively increased, and irradiation light from the linear light source is applied. This is because reaching the layer 1 may be inhibited. On the other hand, when the diameter L1 of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the opening is a value exceeding 100 mm, the action of parallelizing the traveling direction of the irradiation light from the linear light source is excessively lowered and has a predetermined parallelism. This is because conversion to parallel light may be difficult.
Therefore, the diameter L1 of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the opening is more preferably set to a value within the range of 5 to 75 mm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 10 to 50 mm.
4A to 4D and the like, the number of cylindrical members is described as a predetermined number, but this is merely an example, and the actual number of cylindrical members is the active energy ray. This is determined by various conditions such as the width of the coating layer to be irradiated and the diameter L1 of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the opening.

Further, the length L2 of the irradiation light collimating member 200 in the moving direction of the coating layer is not particularly limited. It is more preferable to set the value within the range.
In addition, it is preferable that the diameter seen from the axial direction of the linear light source 125 is usually a value within the range of 5 to 100 mm.

Moreover, it is preferable to make the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member 210 into a value within the range of 0.1 to 5 mm.
The reason for this is that by setting the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member to a value within this range, the influence of the shadow caused by the irradiation light collimating member is suppressed, and the distortion of the cylindrical member due to the active energy ray is also suppressed. It is because it can suppress effectively.
That is, if the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member becomes a value less than 0.1 mm, distortion may easily occur due to active energy rays. On the other hand, when the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member exceeds 5 mm, the influence of the shadow of the cylindrical member becomes large, and it may be difficult to suppress uneven illuminance in the coating layer. .
Therefore, the thickness of the partition wall in the tubular member is more preferably set to a value within the range of 0.2 to 3 mm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 0.5 to 2 mm.

  Furthermore, the material of the cylindrical member 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb light having a low degree of parallelism with respect to the cylindrical member 210. For example, an Alster steel plate with heat-resistant black coating is used. be able to.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable to set the length L3 in the vertical direction of the irradiation light collimating member 200 to a value within the range of 10 to 1000 mm.
This is because the irradiation light from the linear light source can be more efficiently converted into predetermined parallel light by setting the vertical length L3 of the irradiation light collimating member to a value within this range. Because.
That is, when the length L3 is a value less than 10 mm, the irradiation light from the linear light source easily passes through the inside of the irradiation light collimating member as it is, and the action of parallelizing the traveling direction of the irradiation light is excessive. This is because it may be difficult to convert into parallel light having a predetermined parallelism. On the other hand, when the length L3 exceeds 1000 mm, the distance between the linear light source and the coating layer becomes excessively large, and it may be difficult to obtain sufficient illuminance on the surface of the coating layer. Because there is.
Therefore, the length L3 in the vertical direction of the cylindrical member is more preferably set to a value within the range of 20 to 750 mm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 50 to 500 mm.
7 is a side view of the irradiation light collimating member 200 (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D as viewed from the side.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable to set the distance L4 between the upper end of the irradiation light collimating member 200 and the lower end of the linear light source 125 to a value within the range of 0.1 to 1000 mm.
The reason for this is that by setting the distance L4 to a value within this range, the irradiation light from the linear light source can be converted into parallel light having a predetermined parallelism more efficiently while being sufficient for the coating layer. This is because the active energy ray can be irradiated.
That is, when the distance L4 is a value less than 0.1 mm, the cylindrical member becomes excessively easy to absorb the thermal energy from the linear light source, and there is a countermeasure for preventing the irradiation light collimating member from being deteriorated by heat. This is because it may be necessary. On the other hand, when the distance L4 exceeds 1000 mm, the distance between the linear light source and the coating layer becomes excessively large, and it may be difficult to obtain sufficient illuminance on the surface of the coating layer. Because.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the distance L4 between the upper end of the irradiation light collimating member and the lower end of the linear light source to a value within the range of 0.5 to 500 mm, and a value within the range of 1 to 100 mm. More preferably.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable to set the distance L5 between the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member 200 and the coating layer 1 to a value within the range of 0.1 to 1000 mm.
The reason for this is to irradiate the coating layer with a sufficient amount of active energy rays while more effectively suppressing the influence of the shadow caused by the irradiation light collimating member by setting the distance L5 within this range. It is because it can.
That is, when the distance L5 is less than 0.1, not only the influence of the shadow of the cylindrical member becomes excessively large, but also the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member and the surface of the coating layer due to slight vibration during irradiation. This is because there may be cases where the contact occurs. On the other hand, when the distance L5 exceeds 1000 mm, the shadow of the cylindrical member can be blurred. On the other hand, the distance between the linear light source and the coating layer becomes excessively large. This is because it may be difficult to obtain sufficient illuminance.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the distance L5 between the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member and the surface of the coating layer to a value within the range of 0.5 to 900 mm, and a value within the range of 1 to 800 mm. More preferably.

5. Step (d): Active Energy Ray Irradiation Step In step (d), active energy rays from the linear light source 125 are applied to the coating layer 1 while moving the coating layer 1 as shown in FIG. 50 is irradiated through the irradiation light collimating member 200a. Thereby, in the film, a column structure is formed in which a plurality of columnar objects having a relatively high refractive index are planted in a region having a relatively low refractive index.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), an ultraviolet irradiation device 120 in which a condensing cold mirror 122 is provided on a linear ultraviolet lamp 125 (for example, eye graphics for a commercially available product). The active energy ray 50 is irradiated as parallel light 60 to the coating layer 1 formed on the process sheet 2 through the irradiation light collimating member 200 by ECS-4011GX manufactured by Co., Ltd.
Moreover, it is preferable to further improve the parallelism of the parallel light 60 by providing light shielding members 123 a and b between the irradiation light collimating member 200 and the coating layer 1.
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the parallelism of the parallel light 60, a light shielding plate 121 is provided between the linear light source 125 and the irradiation light collimating member 200, and the active energy ray 50 is used only for direct light from the linear light source 125. It is also preferable that
The linear ultraviolet lamp 125, when viewed from above the coating layer 1, is usually a value within a range of −80 to 80 ° with a direction (0 °) perpendicular to the moving direction of the coating layer 1 as a reference (0 °). It is preferably installed so as to have a value in the range of −50 to 50 °, particularly preferably in the range of −30 to 30 °.

Further, as the irradiation angle of the active energy ray, as shown in FIG. 8B, the irradiation angle θ4 when the normal angle with respect to the surface of the coating layer 1 is 0 ° is usually −80 to 80 °. A value within the range is preferable.
This is because, when the irradiation angle is a value outside the range of −80 to 80 °, the influence of reflection on the surface of the coating layer 1 becomes large, and it becomes difficult to form a sufficient column structure. Because there is.
In addition, the irradiation angle θ4 preferably has a width (irradiation angle width) θ4 ′ of 1 to 80 °.
This is because, when the irradiation angle width θ4 ′ is a value less than 1 °, the moving speed of the coating layer must be excessively decreased, and the manufacturing efficiency may be decreased. On the other hand, when the irradiation angle width θ4 ′ exceeds 80 °, the irradiation light may be excessively dispersed and it may be difficult to form a column structure.
Therefore, the irradiation angle width θ4 ′ of the irradiation angle θ4 is more preferably set to a value within the range of 2 to 45 °, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 5 to 20 °.
In addition, when it has irradiation angle width | variety (theta) 4 ', let the angle of the intermediate position just be irradiation angle (theta) 4.

Moreover, it is preferable to make the peak illumination intensity in the surface of the coating layer in active energy ray irradiation into the value within the range of 0.01-50 mW / cm < ² >.
This is because the column structure can be more stably formed in the film by setting the peak illuminance in active energy ray irradiation to a value within such a range.
That is, when the peak illuminance is less than 0.01 mW / cm ² , it may be difficult to clearly form the column structure. On the other hand, when the peak illuminance is a value exceeding 50 mW / cm ² , the curing rate is estimated to be too high, and the column structure may not be clearly formed.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the peak irradiance on the surface of the coating layer in the active energy ray irradiation within a range of 0.05~30mW / cm ^2, to a value within the range of 0.1~40mW / cm ² More preferably.

Moreover, it is preferable to make the integrated light quantity in the surface of the coating layer in active energy ray irradiation into the value within the range of 1-1000 mJ / cm < ² >.
This is because the column structure can be more stably formed in the film by setting the integrated light quantity in the active energy ray irradiation to a value within this range.
That is, when the integrated light quantity is less than 1 mJ / cm ² , it may be difficult to sufficiently extend the column structure from the top to the bottom. On the other hand, when the integrated light amount exceeds 1000 mJ / cm ² , the resulting light diffusion film may be colored.
Therefore, it is more preferable to the integrated amount of light at the surface of the coating layer in the active energy ray irradiation within a range of 2~500mJ / cm ^2, still more preferably a value within the range of 5 to 200 mJ / cm ² .

Moreover, it is preferable to set the parallelism of the irradiation light collimated through the irradiation light collimating member to a value of 10 ° or less.
This is because the column structure can be more stably formed in the film by setting the parallelism of the irradiation light to a value within this range.
That is, when the parallelism exceeds 10 °, the column structure may not be formed.
Accordingly, the parallelism of the irradiation light collimated through the irradiation light collimating member is more preferably 5 ° or less, and further preferably 2 ° or less.

Moreover, it is preferable to make the moving speed of a coating layer into the value within the range of 0.1-10 m / min.
The reason for this is that the illuminance unevenness caused by the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member can be more effectively suppressed by setting the moving speed of the coating layer to a value within this range.
That is, when the moving speed of the coating layer becomes a value of less than 0.1 m / min, the influence of the shadow of the irradiation light collimating member increases, and it may be difficult to sufficiently suppress the illuminance unevenness. . On the other hand, when the moving speed of the coating layer exceeds 10 m / min, the coating layer is hardened, in other words, faster than the formation of the column structure, and the irradiation angle of the active energy rays to the coating layer changes, and the column This is because the structure may be insufficiently formed.
Therefore, the moving speed of the coating layer is more preferably set to a value within the range of 0.2 to 5 m / min, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 0.5 to 3 m / min.

Moreover, it is also preferable to irradiate an active energy ray with the active energy ray permeable sheet laminated on the upper surface of the coating layer.
The reason is that by laminating the active energy ray transmitting sheet, the influence of oxygen inhibition can be effectively suppressed and the column structure can be formed more efficiently.
That is, by laminating an active energy ray transmissive sheet on the upper surface of the coating layer, the coating layer efficiently penetrates the sheet while stably preventing the upper surface of the coating layer from coming into contact with oxygen. This is because active energy rays can be irradiated on the surface.
In addition, as an active energy ray permeable sheet, if the active energy ray can permeate | transmit among the process sheets described in the process (b) (application | coating process), it can use without a restriction | limiting in particular.

In addition to the active energy ray irradiation as the step (d), it is also preferable to further irradiate the active energy ray so that the accumulated light amount that sufficiently hardens the coating layer.
Since the active energy ray at this time is intended to sufficiently cure the coating layer, it is preferable to use random light (scattered light) whose individual vectors are not controlled, instead of parallel light. .

6). Light Diffusing Film The light diffusing film obtained by the production method of the present invention has a column structure in which a plurality of pillars having a relatively high refractive index are planted in a region having a relatively low refractive index. It is characterized by that.
Hereinafter, the light diffusion film obtained by the production method of the present invention will be specifically described.

(1) Refractive index In the column structure, it is preferable that the difference between the refractive index of the columnar body having a relatively high refractive index and the refractive index of the region having a relatively low refractive index be 0.01 or more.
This is because the difference in refractive index is set to a value of 0.01 or more, so that incident light is stably reflected in the column structure, and the incident angle dependency and the diffused light opening angle are further improved. It is because it can do.
That is, when the difference in refractive index is less than 0.01, the angle range at which incident light is totally reflected in the column structure is narrowed. This is because the corner may become excessively narrow.
Therefore, it is more preferable to set the difference between the refractive index of the columnar body having a relatively high refractive index in the column structure and the refractive index of the region having a relatively low refractive index to a value of 0.05 or more. More preferably, the above values are used.
In addition, although the difference of refractive index is so preferable that it is large, from a viewpoint of selecting the material which can form a column structure, about 0.3 is considered to be an upper limit.

(2) Maximum diameter Moreover, as shown to Fig.9 (a), it is preferable to make the maximum diameter Sc in the cross section of a columnar thing into the value within the range of 0.1-15 micrometers in a column structure.
This is because, by setting the maximum diameter to a value in the range of 0.1 to 15 μm, the incident light is more stably reflected in the column structure, and the incident angle dependency and the opening angle of the diffused light are further increased. This is because it can be improved.
That is, if the maximum diameter is less than 0.1 μm, it may be difficult to exhibit light diffusibility regardless of the incident angle of incident light. On the other hand, when the maximum diameter exceeds 15 μm, the light traveling straight in the column structure increases, and the uniformity of light diffusion may deteriorate.
Therefore, in the column structure, the maximum diameter in the cross section of the columnar article is more preferably set to a value within the range of 0.5 to 10 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 1 to 5 μm.
In addition, although it does not specifically limit about the cross-sectional shape of a columnar thing, For example, it is preferable to set it as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, an indeterminate form, etc.
Moreover, the cross section of a columnar thing means the cross section cut | disconnected by the surface parallel to the film surface.
The maximum diameter and length of the columnar object can be calculated by observing with an optical digital microscope.

(3) Thickness Moreover, it is preferable to make thickness La of column structure into the value within the range of 5-500 micrometers.
The reason for this is that when the thickness is less than 5 μm, the length of the columnar object is insufficient, and the incident light that goes straight through the column structure increases. This is because it may be difficult to obtain a corner.
On the other hand, when the thickness exceeds 500 μm, when the column structure is formed by irradiating the composition for light diffusing film with active energy rays, the photopolymerization progresses due to the initially formed column structure. This is because the direction may diffuse and it may be difficult to form a desired column structure.
Accordingly, the thickness of the column structure is more preferably set to a value within the range of 40 to 310 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 95 to 255 μm.
In addition, as shown in FIG.9 (c), the column structure does not need to be formed to the upper-lower-end part in the film thickness direction of a film.
That is, the width Lb of the upper and lower end portions where the column structure is not formed is preferably a value in the range of 0 to 50 μm, and is preferably a value in the range of 0 to 5 μm, although it depends on the thickness of the film. More preferably.

(4) Distance between columnar objects As shown in FIG. 9A, in the column structure, the distance between the columnar objects, that is, the space P in the adjacent columnar objects is a value within the range of 0.1 to 15 μm. It is preferable that
The reason is that by setting the distance within a range of 0.1 to 15 μm, incident light is more stably reflected in the column structure, and the incident angle dependency and the opening angle of diffused light are further improved. It is because it can be made.
That is, if the distance is less than 0.1 μm, it may be difficult to exhibit light diffusibility regardless of the incident angle of incident light. On the other hand, when the distance exceeds 15 μm, the light traveling straight in the column structure increases, and the uniformity of light diffusion may deteriorate.
Therefore, in the column structure, the distance between the columnar objects is more preferably set to a value within the range of 0.5 to 10 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 1 to 5 μm.

(5) Inclination angle In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9B to 9C, in the column structure, it is preferable that the columnar object 22 is forested at a constant inclination angle θa with respect to the film thickness direction.
The reason for this is that by making the inclination angle of the columnar material constant, incident light can be reflected more stably in the column structure, and the incident angle dependency and the opening angle of diffused light can be further improved. is there.
Moreover, as shown in FIG.9 (d), it is also preferable that the columnar thing is bent.
This is because the columnar object is bent, so that the incident light traveling straight in the column structure can be reduced and the uniformity of light diffusion can be improved.
In addition, such a bent columnar material can be obtained by irradiating light while changing the irradiation angle of irradiation light when performing active energy ray irradiation, but the type of material substance forming the column structure Also depends heavily on.
Θa is a plane perpendicular to the film plane, and the angle of the normal to the film surface measured in a cross section when the film is cut by a plane that cuts the entire columnar body into two along the axis. Means the inclination angle (°) of the columnar object when the angle is set to 0 ° (the angle on the narrow side of the angles formed by the normal and the columnar object). Note that, as shown in FIG. 9B, the inclination angle when the columnar object is inclined to the right is used as a reference, and the inclination angle when the columnar object is inclined to the left side is expressed as minus.

(6) Film thickness Moreover, it is preferable to make the film thickness of the light-diffusion film obtained by the manufacturing method of this invention into the value within the range of 50-500 micrometers.
This is because when the film thickness of the light diffusing film is less than 50 μm, the light traveling straight in the column structure increases and it may be difficult to exhibit light diffusibility. On the other hand, when the film thickness of the light diffusing film exceeds 500 μm, when the column structure is formed by irradiating the composition for light diffusing film with active energy rays, the light is absorbed by the initially formed column structure. This is because the progress direction of the polymerization is diffused and it may be difficult to form a desired column structure.
Therefore, the film thickness of the light diffusion film is more preferably set to a value within the range of 80 to 350 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 100 to 260 μm.

(7) Adhesive layer Moreover, the light-diffusion film obtained by the manufacturing method of this invention may be equipped with the adhesive layer for laminating | stacking with respect to a to-be-adhered body in the single side | surface or both surfaces.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive constituting the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is not particularly limited, and conventionally known pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylic, silicone, urethane, and rubber can be used.

  Hereinafter, with reference to an Example, the manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

[Example 1]
1. Synthesis of component (B) In a container, 2 mol of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as component (B1) with respect to 1 mol of polypropylene glycol (PPG) having a weight average molecular weight of 9,200 as component (B2), And after accommodating 2 mol of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as a (B3) component, it was made to react according to a conventional method, and the polyether urethane methacrylate of the weight average molecular weight 9,900 was obtained.

In addition, the weight average molecular weight of polypropylene glycol and polyether urethane methacrylate is a polystyrene conversion value measured according to the following conditions by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
GPC measurement device: manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, HLC-8020
-GPC column: manufactured by Tosoh Corporation (hereinafter, described in order of passage)
TSK guard column HXL-H
TSK gel GMHXL (× 2)
TSK gel G2000HXL
・ Measurement solvent: Tetrahydrofuran ・ Measurement temperature: 40 ° C.

2. Preparation of composition for light diffusing film Next, 100 parts by weight of polyether urethane methacrylate having a weight average molecular weight of 9,900 as the obtained component (B) is represented by the following formula (3) as the component (A). O-Phenylphenoxyethoxyethyl acrylate having a molecular weight of 268 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd., NK ester A-LEN-10) and 10 parts by weight of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone as component (C) Then, the mixture was heated and mixed under conditions of 80 ° C. to obtain a composition for light diffusion film. The refractive indexes of the components (A) and (B) were measured according to JIS K0062 using an Abbe refractometer (Atago Co., Ltd., Abbe refractometer DR-M2, Na light source, wavelength: 589 nm). , 1.58 and 1.46, respectively.

3. Application of composition for light diffusion film Next, the obtained composition for light diffusion film was applied to a film-like transparent polyethylene terephthalate film (hereinafter referred to as PET) as a process sheet, and the film thickness was 200 μm. A coating layer was obtained.

4). Arrangement of irradiation light collimating member Next, an ultraviolet irradiation apparatus in which a condensing cold mirror is attached to a linear high-pressure mercury lamp (diameter 25 mm, length 1.6 m, output 20 kW) as shown in FIG. (Eye Graphics Co., Ltd., ECS-4011GX) was prepared.
Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, an assembly of a plurality of cylindrical members (whose cross-sectional shape of the opening is a regular hexagon) between the linear ultraviolet lamp and the coating layer. An irradiation light collimating member is provided in which a plurality of cylindrical members have openings at upper and lower ends.
At this time, when viewed from above the coating layer, the moving direction of the coating layer, and a virtual straight line as a line projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from above the coating layer, The irradiation light collimating member is arranged so that the acute angle formed by the above-mentioned, that is, θ1a1 in FIG. 4A is 30 °, θ1a2 is 30 °, and θ1a3 is 90 °.
Further, the maximum diameter (L1a in FIG. 6A) in the cross-sectional shape of the opening of the cylindrical member in the irradiation light collimating member is 10 mm, and the length in the moving direction of the coating layer of the irradiation light collimating member (FIG. 6 ( L2) in a) was 350 mm, the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member was 0.1 mm, and the material was aluminum with heat-resistant black paint.
Furthermore, the length (L3 in FIG. 7) from the upper end to the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member is 200 mm, and the distance (in FIG. 7) between the upper end of the irradiation light collimating member and the lower end of the linear ultraviolet lamp. L4) was 100 mm, and the distance between the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member and the surface of the coating layer (L5 in FIG. 7) was 700 mm.
Further, the linear ultraviolet lamp was arranged so that the moving direction of the coating layer and the major axis direction of the linear ultraviolet lamp were orthogonal to each other.

5. Irradiation of ultraviolet rays Next, by irradiating ultraviolet rays from a linear ultraviolet lamp through an irradiation light collimating member, parallel light having a parallelism of 2 ° or less is irradiated with an irradiation angle (θ4 in FIG. 8B) of approximately The coating layer was irradiated through the release film so as to be 0 °, and as a result, a light diffusion film having a film thickness of 195 μm was obtained.
At that time, the peak illuminance on the surface of the release film was 2.6 mW / cm ² , the integrated light quantity was 13.87 mJ / cm ² , the lamp height was 500 mm, and the moving speed of the coating layer was 1 m / min.
In addition, the film thickness of the light-diffusion film was measured using the constant-pressure thickness measuring device (Takara Seisakusho Co., Ltd. make, TECLOCK PG-02J).

In addition, the obtained light diffusing film is a film surface measured in a cross section when the film is cut by a tilt angle of the columnar object, that is, by cutting the entire columnar member into two along its axis. It was confirmed that the columnar article had an inclination angle (θa in FIG. 9) of 2 ° when the angle of the normal line to 0 ° was 0 °.
Moreover, the cross-sectional photograph of the obtained light-diffusion film is shown to Fig.10 (a)-(b). FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional photograph of the film cut along a plane that is parallel to the moving direction of the coating layer and perpendicular to the film surface, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view in FIG. It is a cross-sectional photograph at the time of cut | disconnecting a film in the surface perpendicular | vertical to.

6). Evaluation (1) Evaluation of light diffusion characteristics The light diffusion characteristics of the obtained light diffusion film were evaluated.
That is, taking into consideration that the tilt angle of the columnar object (θa in FIG. 9) is 2 ° with respect to the obtained light diffusion film, the light of θ2 = 3 ° in FIG. And took a photo of diffused light. The obtained photograph is shown in FIG. 11 (a), and a diagram generated from the photograph is shown in FIG. 11 (b).
From these photographs and drawings, it was confirmed that isotropic light diffusion occurred because the diffusion of diffused light was circular in a plane parallel to the film.
Further, it was confirmed that even if the light diffusion film was moved in an arbitrary direction while irradiating incident light and the incident point was changed, the influence of streak unevenness was not found in the optical characteristics.

(2) Evaluation of stripe unevenness The stripe unevenness in the obtained light diffusion film was evaluated.
That is, a photograph of the obtained light diffusion film was taken, and the presence or absence of unevenness of the muscle was confirmed with the naked eye. The obtained photograph is shown in FIG. 12 (a), and a diagram generated from the photograph is shown in FIG. 12 (b).
From these photographs and drawings, it can be seen that no streak is generated.

[Comparative Example 1]
In Comparative Example 1, when the irradiation light collimating member is arranged, as shown in FIG. 4B, the irradiation light collimating member is set so that θ1a1 is 0 °, θ1a2 is 60 °, and θ1a3 is 60 °. Except for the arrangement, a light diffusing film having a columnar inclination angle of 3 ° was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.
Moreover, the cross-sectional photograph of the obtained light-diffusion film is shown to Fig.13 (a)-(b). FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional photograph of the film cut along a plane that is parallel to the moving direction of the coating layer and perpendicular to the film surface, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view in FIG. It is a cross-sectional photograph at the time of cut | disconnecting a film in the surface perpendicular | vertical to.
Moreover, the photograph which shows the diffusion condition of the diffused light in the light-diffusion film obtained in Fig.14 (a) is shown, and the diagram which arose from this photograph is shown in FIG.14 (b).
From these photographs and drawings, it was confirmed that isotropic light diffusion occurred because the diffusion of diffused light was circular in the plane parallel to the film as in Example 1.
However, when the light diffusing film was moved in an arbitrary direction while irradiating incident light and the incident point was changed, it was confirmed that the light diffusing characteristic was non-uniform due to the influence of streaks.
Moreover, the photograph of the light-diffusion film obtained by Fig.15 (a) is shown, and the diagram which arose from this photograph is shown in FIG.15 (b).
From these photographs and figures, it can be seen that clear streaks of a level causing a problem in practical use have occurred.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when irradiating active energy rays using a linear light source, a predetermined irradiation light collimating member is interposed between the linear light source and the coating layer. When viewed from above the coating layer, by setting the arrangement angle of the irradiation light collimating member to a value within a predetermined range, it becomes possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of streak unevenness in the optical characteristics. It was.
As a result, it has become possible to easily obtain a light diffusing film having a column structure for diffusing the isotropic light in the film while effectively suppressing the occurrence of streak unevenness in the optical characteristics.
Therefore, the manufacturing method of the light diffusing film of the present invention improves the manufacturing efficiency of the light diffusing film used for the viewing angle control film, the viewing angle widening film, the projection screen, etc. in addition to the light control film in the reflective liquid crystal device. And is expected to contribute significantly to the quality improvement of these products.

1: coating layer, 2: process sheet, 10: light diffusion film, 12: columnar object having a relatively high refractive index, 13: column structure, 14: region having a relatively low refractive index, 50: from a linear light source Active energy rays, 60: parallel light, 121: light shielding plate, 122: cold mirror for condensing, 123: light shielding member, 125: linear light source, 200: irradiation light collimating member, 210: cylindrical member

Claims (10)

The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film characterized by including the following process (a)-(d).
(A) Step of preparing a composition for light diffusing film (b) Step of applying the composition for light diffusing film to a step sheet and forming a coating layer (c) Plural cylindrical members arranged in parallel An irradiation light collimating member comprising a plurality of cylindrical members and having openings at upper and lower ends is provided between the linear light source and the coating layer, and from the linear light source. Disposing in the radiation region of active energy rays,
When viewed from above the coating layer, the moving direction of the coating layer and a virtual straight line as a line projected downward when light is applied to the irradiation light collimating member from above the coating layer The irradiation light collimating member is arranged so that the acute angle θ1 formed by all of the above becomes a value of 10 ° or more (however, a set of cylindrical objects is rotated into a circle, and a linear light source and a cylindrical shape are arranged) Except that a plurality of sets of objects are placed in series.) Step (d) While moving the coating layer, the active energy rays from the linear light source are applied to the coating layer while moving the coating layer. Irradiating via   The method for producing a light diffusion film according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the opening is a regular hexagon.   The diameter of the circumscribed circle in the cross-sectional shape of the said opening part is made into the value within the range of 1-100 mm, The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The length of the up-down direction in the said irradiation light collimating member shall be the value within the range of 10-1000 mm, The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film as described in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The method for producing a light diffusing film according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thickness of the partition wall in the cylindrical member is set to a value within a range of 0.1 to 5 mm.   The distance between the lower end of the irradiation light collimating member and the surface of the coating layer is set to a value within a range of 0.1 to 1000 mm. The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of description.   The distance between the upper end of the irradiation light collimating member and the lower end of the linear light source is set to a value within a range of 0.1 to 1000 mm. The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film of description. In the step (d), the peak illuminance on the surface of the coating layer is set to a value within the range of 0.01 to 50 mW / cm ² , and the integrated light quantity on the surface of the coating layer is within the range of 1 to 1000 mJ / cm ² . The manufacturing method of the light-diffusion film as described in any one of Claims 1-7 characterized by the above-mentioned.   In the said process (d), the moving speed of the said application layer shall be a value within the range of 0.1-10 m / min, The light-diffusion film of any one of Claims 1-8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Production method. In the step (d), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the parallelism of the illumination light collimated through the irradiation light collimating member and the value of 10 ° or less Manufacturing method of the light diffusion film.