JP6887360B2 - Method for manufacturing polarizing device and photoalignment film - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a polarizing device and a method for producing a photoalignment film.

Conventionally, in order to form an alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules, a rubbing treatment has been performed on the alignment film. In recent years, instead of the rubbing treatment, a photoalignment treatment is performed in which a photoalignment film is formed on a transparent resin film or a glass substrate, and the alignment film is irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet rays to perform orientation.

In the photoalignment process, in order to obtain linearly polarized light, a polarized light irradiation device including a plurality of wire grid polarizers arranged in one direction and a light source that emits ultraviolet rays is generally used. However, in the process of manufacturing the polarizer, there may be variations in the polarization direction of the polarizer. Therefore, it has been proposed to provide a mechanism for adjusting the polarization direction of each polarizer in the polarized light irradiation device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism including an adjusting portion and an elastic portion abutting on one side of two opposing sides of a polarizer, and a supporting portion abutting on the other side. .. In this mechanism, by adjusting the length of the protruding portion of the adjusting portion, the polarizing element is rotationally moved around the supporting portion as a fulcrum, and the polarization direction of the polarizer is adjusted.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-058622

In the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the polarizer is rotationally moved by using an adjusting portion and an elastic portion that come into contact with one side and a supporting portion that comes into contact with the other side. Therefore, when some force is applied to one side or the other side, the force is applied to the polarizer, which causes damage to the polarizer or the like. In particular, when the peripheral edge of each polarizer does not have a frame portion for holding the peripheral edge of each polarizer, the polarizer is liable to be damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a polarizing device provided with an adjusting mechanism capable of reducing a force applied to a polarizer, and a method for manufacturing a photoalignment film.

The polarizing device according to the first aspect emits light from a light source including a plurality of rectangular polarizing elements arranged in one direction and an adjusting mechanism arranged on one side of the polarizing elements to rotate the polarizing elements. A polarizing device that polarizes, the adjusting mechanism includes a grip portion that grips the opposing surfaces of the polarizer, a fulcrum that is arranged on the grip portion, and an actuating portion that rotates the grip portion around the fulcrum.

In the polarizing device according to the second aspect, a support portion is provided which is arranged on the other side facing one side of the polarizer and supports the other side of the polarizer.

In the polarizing device according to the third aspect, the support portion includes a grooved roller and an elastic member that urges the roller to the side of the adjusting mechanism.

In the polarizing device according to the fourth aspect, the grip portion has a length of 50% or more and 80% or less with respect to the length of one side of the polarizer.

In the polarizing device according to the fifth aspect, adjacent polarizing elements are arranged at a distance in the thickness direction of the polarizing elements.

In the polarizing device according to the sixth aspect, adjacent polarizers partially overlap the polarizer in a plan view.

In the polarizing device according to the seventh aspect, the operating portion has an urging mechanism and a feed screw that operates with respect to the urging mechanism.

In the polarizing device according to the eighth aspect, the length direction of the lead screw is parallel to one direction in which a plurality of polarizers are arranged.

In the polarizing device according to the ninth aspect, the polarizer is a wire grid polarizer.

The method for producing a photoalignment film according to a tenth aspect includes a step of transporting an object having a photoalignment film material formed on its surface, and polarization of light from a light source via the above-mentioned polarizing device. Includes a step of irradiating the material for the photoalignment film with the resulting light.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a polarizing device provided with an adjusting mechanism capable of reducing a force applied to a polarizer, and a method for manufacturing a photoalignment film.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the entire manufacturing facility including the polarizing device of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the polarizing device before attaching the wire grid polarizer. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a polarizing device with a wire grid polarizer attached. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a polarizing device with a wire grid polarizer attached. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the adjustment mechanism. FIG. 9 is a side view of the adjusting mechanism. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a polarizing device in a state where a plurality of wire grid polarizers are attached. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the wire grid polarizer is rotated by the adjusting mechanism. FIG. 13 is a plan view of another adjustment mechanism.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention will be described by the following preferred embodiments. Changes can be made by many methods without departing from the scope of the present invention, and embodiments other than the embodiment can be used. Therefore, all modifications within the scope of the present invention are included in the claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the entire manufacturing facility including the polarizing device of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing facility 1 includes a delivery roller 10 that sends out the work W, and a take-up roller 12 that winds up the work W sent out from the delivery roller 10. The work W is an object having a photoalignment film formed on its surface. The manufacturing equipment 1 includes a polarized light irradiation device 20 installed between the delivery roller 10 and the take-up roller 12.

The work W shown in FIG. 1 has two surfaces (main surfaces), is a flexible continuous band-shaped thin member, and is also called a web. A resin film can be mentioned as the material of the work W. The work W is not limited to the web, and may be, for example, a rigid flat glass substrate or the like.

The work W is continuously and horizontally transported from the feeding roller 10 to the winding roller 12 along the transport direction MD (Machine Direction).

The polarized light irradiation device 20 includes a rod-shaped light source 22 that emits light and a reflector 24 that covers the light source 22. The light source 22 and the reflecting mirror 24 extend in the width direction TD (Transverse Direction) orthogonal to the transport direction MD, and have a length larger than the width of the work W.

As the light source 22, for example, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp, a chemical lamp, a light emitting diode (LED) light source, an excimer laser generator, or the like can be used. Light having a wavelength of 240 nm or more and 450 nm or less, which is called ultraviolet light, is emitted from the light source 22.

The reflector 24 has a part of an ellipse or a parabolic cross-sectional shape. The reflector 24 reflects the light emitted from the light source 22 and efficiently guides the light from the light source 22 to the work W.

The polarized light irradiation device 20 includes a louver 26 arranged between the light source 22 and the work W. The louver 26 is arranged along the light source 22 and has a length substantially the same as the width of the work W. The louver 26 allows only light at a predetermined angle with respect to the work W from among the light emitted from the light source 22 and the light reflected from the reflecting mirror 24. For example, the louver 26 passes light orthogonal to the main surface of the work W.

The polarized light irradiation device 20 includes a polarizing device 30 between the louver 26 and the work W. The polarizing device 30 includes a plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 as polarizers and a frame 34 for holding the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32. The plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are arranged along the width direction TD so as to face the light source 22. The frame 34 extends along the width direction TD to hold the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32. The frame 34 is formed with a rectangular opening extending along the width direction TD. The plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are aligned with the openings and held by the frame 34. The plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 face the work W through the openings of the frame 34.

The wire grid polarizer 32 is composed of a flat glass substrate having opposite surfaces and a plurality of linear metal wires formed on the surface of the glass substrate and arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Since the wire grid polarizer 32 reflects or absorbs a polarizing component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fine metal wire and transmits a polarizing component orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the thin metal wire in the incident light, the wire grid polarizer 32 is transmitted. Therefore, linearly polarized light can be obtained. That is, the wire grid polarizer 32 can polarize the light from the light source 22. The polarizer is not limited to the wire grid polarizer 32 as long as the light can be polarized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wire grid polarizer 32 is rectangular in a plan view. In one wire grid polarizer 32, a plurality of thin metal wires are parallel in the plane, and the polarization direction of the wire grid polarizer 32 is constant. In another wire grid polarizer 32, the plurality of thin metal wires are parallel in the plane. On the other hand, when the wire grid polarizers 32 are compared with each other, the parallel directions of the respective thin metal wires may vary depending on the processing accuracy in the manufacturing process of the wire grid polarizer 32 and the like. Therefore, there is a concern that the wire grid polarizers 32 have variations in the polarization direction. Therefore, the polarization direction of each wire grid polarizer 32 is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown) described later.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wire grid polarizer 32 is rectangular in a plan view, but its shape can be changed depending on the arrangement and design requirements. For example, the wire grid polarizer 32 may be a quadrangle such as a parallelogram or a rhombus in a plan view, and a shape in which the corners of the quadrangle are chamfered can also be used.

If necessary, a spectroscopic filter such as a long wavelength cut filter, a short wavelength cut filter, and a bandpass filter is arranged between the light source 22 and the polarizing device 30. The spectroscopic filter can adjust the wavelength of the light incident on the polarizing device 30 from the light source 22 and the reflecting mirror 24.

A method for producing a photoalignment film will be described with reference to FIG. The method for producing a photoalignment film consists of a step of transporting an object having a photoalignment film material formed on its surface, a polarization of light from a light source via a polarizing device, and the polarized light being used as a photoalignment film material. Including the step of irradiating. First, the work W on which the material for the photoalignment film is formed is conveyed from the feeding roller 10 to the winding roller 12. A material for a photoalignment film is formed in advance on the surface of the work W set on the delivery roller 10.

The photo-alignment film means an alignment film produced by a photo-alignment treatment. The material for a photoalignment film means a material for producing a photoalignment film.

Examples of the material for the photoalignment film include JP-A-2006-285197, JP-A-2007-76839, JP-A-2007-138138, JP-A-2007-94071, and JP-A-2007-121721. The azo compounds described in JP-A-2007-140465, JP-A-2007-156439, JP-A-2007-133184, JP-A-2009-109831, Patent No. 3883848, and Patent No. 4151746, JP-A-2002. Aromatic ester compounds described in JP-A-229039, maleimides having photoorientation units described in JP-A-2002-265541 and JP-A-2002-3170113, and / or alkenyl-substituted nadiimide compounds, Patent No. 4205195. , Photocrossable silane derivative described in Japanese Patent No. 4205198, Photocrossable polyimide, polyamide, or ester described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-520878, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-522220, Patent No. 4162850, JP-A-9. Photodimerizable compounds described in JP-A-118717, JP-A-10-506420, JP-A-2003-505561, WO2010 / 150748, JP-A-2013-177561, and JP-A-2014-12823. In particular, a synchromate compound, a chalcone compound, and a coumarin compound can be mentioned. Particularly preferred examples include azo compounds, photocrosslinkable polyimides, polyamides, esters, synnamate compounds, and chalcone compounds.

As a method for forming a material for a photoalignment film on the surface of an object, a curtain coating method, a dip coating method, a spin coating method, a print coating method, a spray coating method, a slot coating method, a roll coating method, a slide coating method, and a blade are used. Known methods such as a coating method, a gravure coating method, and a wire bar method can be mentioned. In the process of transporting the work W, a material for a photoalignment film may be formed on the surface of the object.

A polarized light irradiation device 20 is arranged during the transfer of the work W. The light from the light source 22 is polarized through the polarizing device 30, and the polarized light is applied to the photoalignment film. It is conveyed from the delivery roller 10 to the take-up roller 12.

The light from the light source 22 is polarized through the polarizing device 30, and the polarized light is applied to the photoalignment film. The plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 provided in the polarizing device 30 are adjusted by an adjustment mechanism described later, and the polarization directions of the respective wire grid polarizers 32 are aligned within a certain range.

Since the light polarized from the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 whose polarization directions are aligned in a certain range is applied to the material for the photoalignment film, it is possible to manufacture a photoalignment film having stable characteristics.

Next, the polarizing device 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the polarizing device 30 before attaching the wire grid polarizer 32. The polarizing device 30 includes a frame 34. A rectangular opening 36 is formed in the frame 34 along the frame 34. The frame 34 is made of metal, and stainless steel, aluminum, or the like can be used, and aluminum is particularly preferable.

The adjusting mechanism 40 and the support portion 60 are arranged at positions facing each other with the opening 36 interposed therebetween. A plurality of adjusting mechanisms 40 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the opening 36. The plurality of adjusting mechanisms 40 are arranged on the same side with respect to the opening 36. In the embodiment, two support portions 60 are arranged for one adjustment mechanism 40. Further, the plurality of support portions 60 are arranged on the opposite side of the adjusting mechanism 40 and on the same side with respect to the opening 36.

The adjusting mechanism 40 includes a grip portion 41 that grips the facing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32 (not shown). The grip portion 41 is provided with fulcrums 42 equidistant from both ends of the grip portion 41. The fulcrum 42 rotatably supports the grip portion 41. The fulcrum 42 is the center of rotation of the grip portion 41. The fulcrum 42 is fixed perpendicular to the plane of the frame 34. The fulcrum 42 and the grip portion 41 are perpendicular to each other, and the grip portion 41 and the plane of the frame 34 are parallel to each other.

In the embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 40 is symmetrical, and the fulcrum 42 of the grip portion 41 is equidistant from both ends of the grip portion 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. The adjusting mechanism 40 can be designed asymmetrically, and in this case, it is not necessary to provide the fulcrums 42 at equal distances from both ends of the grip portion 41.

The grip portion 41 includes an extension portion 43 that is perpendicular to the grip portion 41 in a plan view and extends to the opposite side of the opening 36 with the fulcrum 42 in between. Therefore, the grip portion 41 has a substantially T-shaped shape as a whole.

The urging mechanism 44 that constitutes the operating portion and the feed screw 45 that operates with respect to the urging mechanism 44 are arranged so as to face each other with the extension portion 43 interposed therebetween.

The urging mechanism 44 is a member that applies a rotational force in a certain direction about the fulcrum 42 to the grip portion 41. In the embodiment, the urging mechanism 44 urges the extension portion 43 to apply a rotational force to the grip portion 41.

The urging mechanism 44 includes, for example, a coil spring 44A and an accommodating portion 44B for accommodating the coil spring 44A. The structure of the urging mechanism 44 is not limited as long as the extension portion 43, which is a part of the grip portion 41, can be urged. For example, it may be a plunger including a coil spring and a pin urged by the coil spring.

The feed screw 45 is a member that applies a rotational force in a direction opposite to the rotational force in a fixed direction applied by the urging mechanism 44 to the grip portion 41. By operating the feed screw 45, the rotation direction and the magnitude of the rotational force applied to the grip portion 41 are adjusted.

As the lead screw 45, for example, a micrometer head capable of fine feed can be applied. In the case of a micrometer head, the spindle 45B can be moved forward or backward by rotating the thimble 45A. Depending on the length of moving the spindle 45B forward or backward, the operating portion can adjust the rotational direction applied to the grip portion 41 and the magnitude of the rotational force. Since the extension portion 43 is urged by the urging mechanism 44, the extension portion 43 accurately follows the movement of the feed screw 45. Therefore, the angle of the grip portion 41 can be stably maintained and changed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the coil spring 44A and the spindle 45B are arranged linearly with the extension portion 43 interposed therebetween. However, if the rotational direction of the grip portion 41 and the magnitude of the rotational force can be adjusted, the positional relationship between the two is not limited to a linear shape.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support portion 60 is attached to a fixing portion 37 provided on the frame 34. The support portion 60 includes a pin 61 having a head at one end. The pin 61 passes through a through hole (not shown) of the fixing portion 37 and extends toward the adjusting mechanism 40. The head of the pin 61 does not pass through the through hole.

The pin 61 includes a grooved roller 63 supported by the support member 62 on the side opposite to the head. The support member 62 rotatably supports the grooved roller 63. The pin 61 is provided with a coil spring 64 as an elastic member. The coil spring 64 is provided at a position between the fixing portion 37 and the support member 62. The coil spring 64 urges the grooved roller 63 toward the adjusting mechanism 40.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gripping portion 41 of the adjusting mechanism 40 grips the opposing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32 by holding a rectangular metal plate 46 and a plate 46 in a plan view. It is composed of two screws 47 for fixing and a block 48. The plate 46 has a flat plate shape.

As shown in FIG. 3, the block 48 has a first step 49 for positioning the plate 46. The plate 46 is fixed to the block 48 by screws 47 in a state where one side of the plate 46 is in contact with the first step 49. The block 48 has a second step 50 on the side closer to the opening 36 (see FIG. 2). The second step 50 is lower than the first step 49 when the surface opposite to the fixed surface 51 to which the plate 46 is fixed is installed. As will be described later, a space S is formed by the block 48 having the second step 50 and the plate 46, and the facing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32 are gripped.

The pin 61 extends beyond the through hole 37A of the fixing portion 37 to the supporting portion 60 and is fixed to the supporting member 62. The support member 62 is a member that is orthogonal to each other in a cross-sectional view, and has an L-shape. The grooved roller 63 is one member of the support member 62, and is provided with a parallel flat surface having substantially the same height as the pin 61. In the embodiment, the grooved roller 63 has a groove 65 formed on the entire circumference of the roller.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the polarizing device 30 in a state where one wire grid polarizer 32 is attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the grip portion 41 is in a state where the plate 46 is removed from the block 48. The block 48 has two screw holes 52 for screwing the screws 47.

One side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32 is brought into contact with the second step 50 of the block 48. As a result, the block 48 constituting the grip portion 41 and the wire grid polarizer 32 are positioned. The wire grid polarizer 32 of the embodiment does not include a frame portion for holding the peripheral edge thereof.

The coil spring 64 provided in the support portion 60 is contracted, and the support member 62 that supports the grooved roller 63 moves to the side of the fixing portion 37. The side of the other side 32B facing one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32 is located between the grooves 65 of the grooved roller 63. The wire grid polarizer 32 is supported by the grooved roller 63. Since the urging force of the coil spring 64 provided in the support portion 60 is not large, almost no force is applied from the roller 63 to the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, on the side of one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32, one side 32C of the facing surface is supported by the block 48.

In a state where one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32 and the second step 50 are in contact with each other, the thickness T of the wire grid polarizer 32 is larger than the height H of the second step 50. The other surface 32D of the opposite surface of the wire grid polarizer 32 projects from the fixed surface 51.

Further, on the side of the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32, one surface 32C is supported by the grooved roller 63.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the polarizing device 30 with one wire grid polarizer 32 attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the plate 46 is brought into contact with the first step 49 of the block 48. As a result, the block 48 and the plate 46 are positioned. The plate 46 is fixed to the block 48 by the two screws 47.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the plate 46 is fixed to the block 48 by the screw 47, the facing surfaces (one surface 32C and the other surface 32D) of the wire grid polarizer 32 are gripped by the plate 46 and the block 48. Will be done. As described above, since the thickness T of the wire grid polarizer 32 is larger than the height H of the second step 50, the contact between the other surface 32D of the wire grid polarizer 32 and the plate 46 is more reliable. Therefore, the grip portion 41 can reliably hold the facing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32. By adjusting the tightening amount of the screw 47, the force for gripping the wire grid polarizer 32 can be adjusted.

It is preferable to arrange a flame-retardant elastic member (not shown) between the plate 46 and the other surface 32D of the wire grid polarizer 32. The elastic member can prevent the end portion of the wire grid polarizer 32 from being damaged or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gripping portion 41 of the adjusting mechanism 40 arranged on the side of one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32 allows the wire grid polarizer 32 to face the opposite surfaces (one surface 32C and the other surface). 32D) is gripped.

In the embodiment, one plate 46 and the block 48 grip the facing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32. In this aspect, the plate 46 and the block 48 have approximately the same length. Therefore, the surface of the plate 46 and the surface of the block 48 grip the opposing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32. Since the plate 46 is fixed to the block 48 by screws 47, the wire grid polarizer 32 can be easily attached to and detached from the grip portion 41.

As long as the opposing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32 can be gripped, the mode of gripping is not particularly limited. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the adjustment mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 8, instead of one plate 46, a plurality of plates 53 arranged at equal intervals and a screw 54 for fixing the plurality of plates 53 to the block 48 can be used. it can.

Further, a clip structure can be applied instead of the gripping mode using the plate and the screw. FIG. 9 is a side view of the adjusting mechanism. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the clip structure is composed of a plate 55, a fulcrum 56 that rotatably supports the plate 55, and a torsion spring 57 arranged between the plate 55 and the block 48. .. Due to the urging force of the torsion spring 57, the tip 55A of the plate 55 and the block 48 can grip the opposing surfaces (one surface 32C and the other surface 32D) of the wire grid polarizer 32. By pressing the rear end 55B of the plate 55 toward the block 48, the distance between the tip 55A of the plate 55 and the block 48 becomes large. Therefore, the wire grid polarizer 32 can be easily attached to and detached from the grip portion 41.

By the procedure described above, a plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are attached to the frame 34 along the opening 36.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the polarizing device 30 in a state where a plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are attached. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. In FIGS. 10 and 11, for ease of understanding, one of the adjacent wire grid polarizers 32 is displayed with a pattern. However, the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 have the same characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the polarizing device 30, a plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are attached to the frame 34. As shown in FIG. 11, in the polarizing device 30 of the embodiment, adjacent wire grid polarizers 32 are arranged at a distance L in the thickness direction of the wire grid polarizer 32. When the adjacent wire grid polarizers 32 are compared, the distance L 1 and the distance L _{2 to one surface} 32 C of the wire grid polarizer 32 are different from each other with respect to the frame 34. As shown in FIG. 11, since the wire grid polarizer 32 of the embodiment does not have a frame portion, the distance L can be shortened. Therefore, the overall thickness of the polarizing device 30 can be reduced.

When mounting a plurality of wire grid polarizer 32 in the frame 34, a wire grid polarizer 32 are separated by the frame 34 and the distance L ₁ is attached. Next, a wire grid polarizer 32 that is separated from the frame 34 by a distance L _{2 is attached.}

As shown in FIG. 10, in a plan view, the adjacent wire grid polarizers 32 partially overlap. This configuration suppresses the light that does not pass through the wire grid polarizer 32 from being irradiated to the photoalignment film.

In the embodiment, the length direction of the lead screw 45 is parallel to one direction in which the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are arranged. With such an arrangement, the width WD of the polarizing device 30 can be shortened. The degree of freedom when arranging the polarized light irradiation device 20 including the polarizing device 30 in the manufacturing equipment 1 is increased. Parallel includes parallel and substantially parallel.

When the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are attached to the frame 34, the wire grid polarizer 32 is rotated by the adjusting mechanism 40 in order to adjust the polarization direction of the wire grid polarizer 32.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the wire grid polarizer 32 is rotated by the adjusting mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 12, the extension portion 43 of the grip portion 41 is urged toward the feed screw 45 by the coil spring 44A of the urging mechanism 44. The spindle 45B of the feed screw 45 presses the extension portion 43 of the grip portion 41 in the direction opposite to the urging force of the urging mechanism 44. The urging mechanism 44 and the feed screw 45 apply a rotational force to the grip portion 41. The urging mechanism 44 and the feed screw 45 are adjusted so that the grip portion 41 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 34. For convenience, this is referred to as a reference state of the grip portion 41.

The wire grid polarizer 32 on the right side of FIG. 12 is gripped by the grip portion 41 so that one side 32A and the other side 32B are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 34. The grip portion 41 is in the reference state.

With respect to the left wire grid polarizer 32 with the pattern of FIG. 12, the spindle 45B of the lead screw 45 is retracted with respect to the reference state. The extension portion 43 receives a counterclockwise rotational force by the coil spring 44A of the urging mechanism 44. As a result, the grip portion 41 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the reference state. The wire grid polarizer 32 on the left side can be rotated counterclockwise by the adjusting mechanism 40. The polarization direction of the left wire grid polarizer 32 is adjusted.

Although not shown, when the spindle 45B of the feed screw 45 is advanced with respect to the reference state, the extension portion 43 receives a clockwise rotational force by the spindle 45B of the feed screw 45. As a result, the grip portion 41 is rotated clockwise with respect to the reference state. As a result, the wire grid polarizer 32 can be rotated clockwise by the adjusting mechanism 40.

Since the adjusting mechanism 40 of the embodiment can rotate the wire grid polarizer 32 by operating one feed screw 45, it is easy to adjust the polarization direction of the wire grid polarizer 32, and the polarization direction. Adjustment time can be shortened.

Further, the adjusting mechanism 40 is arranged on the side of one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32, and the wire grid polarizer 32 is rotated while holding the one side 32A. As a result, it is possible to prevent a local force from being applied to the wire grid polarizer 32, and it is possible to prevent the wire grid polarizer 32 from being damaged.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the wire grid polarizer 32 on the left side is rotated by the adjusting mechanism 40, the wire grid polarizer 32 is rotated and the other side 32B is moved. Following the rotation of the wire grid polarizer 32, the coil spring 64 of the support portion 60 on the right side is compressed. Since the grooved roller 63 rotates, the other side 32B slides while being in contact with the groove of the grooved roller 63. The support portion 60 can support the side of the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32 without hindering the rotation of the wire grid polarizer 32.

Further, the coil spring 64 of the support portion 60 on the left side is extended following the rotation of the wire grid polarizer 32. Since the grooved roller 63 rotates, the other side 32B slides while being in contact with the groove of the grooved roller 63. The support portion 60 can support the side of the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32 without hindering the rotation of the wire grid polarizer 32.

In the embodiment, the case where two support portions 60 are arranged for one adjustment mechanism 40 is illustrated, but one support portion 60 may be arranged for one adjustment mechanism 40. ..

The structure of the support portion 60 is not limited as long as the distance between the photoalignment film and the wire grid polarizer 32 can be maintained constant. In the embodiment, the grooved roller 63 in which the groove is formed on the entire circumference of the roller is shown, but the groove does not have to be the entire circumference of the roller. For example, the groove may be formed only in the region in contact with the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32, that is, only a part of the roller. Since the other side 32B of the wire grid polarizer 32 and the support portion 60 are not fixed, the wire grid polarizer 32 can rotate smoothly. Further, the support portion 60 may not be arranged.

The grip portion 41 preferably has a length of 50% or more and 80% or less with respect to the length of one side 32A of the wire grid polarizer 32. The length of the grip portion 41 means the length of the region for gripping the wire grid polarizer 32. By setting the length of the grip portion 41 to 50% or more of the length of the side 32A, the grip portion 41 can stably grip the wire grid polarizer 32.

By setting the length of the grip portion 41 to 80% or less of the length of one side 32A, it is possible to prevent the adjacent grip portions 41 from interfering with each other. Further, when the grip portion 41 is rotated, it is possible to prevent a part of the grip portion 41 from being exposed from the opening 36.

Next, another adjusting mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view of another adjustment mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 13, the adjusting mechanism 40 includes a grip portion 41, an urging mechanism 44, and a feed screw 45. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the length direction of the lead screw 45 is arranged perpendicular to one direction in which the plurality of wire grid polarizers 32 are arranged. The urging mechanism 44 and the feed screw 45 can be operated directly on the block 48 without providing an extension portion. Vertical includes vertical and substantially vertical.

Regarding the manufacturing equipment 1, FIG. 1 shows a case where one polarized light irradiation device 20 including a polarizing device 30 is arranged. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of polarized light irradiation devices 20 can be arranged side by side along the transport direction MD.

Further, since the facing surfaces of the wire grid polarizer 32 are gripped by the grip portion 41, the polarizing device 30 can be arranged in the horizontal direction and the polarizing device 30 can be arranged in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. be able to.

Although the wire grid polarizer 32 having no frame portion has been described, the polarizing device of the embodiment can also be applied to the wire grid polarizer having a frame portion.

1 Manufacturing equipment 10 Feeding roller 12 Winding roller 20 Polarized light irradiation device 22 Light source 24 Reflector 26 Louver 30 Polarizing device 32 Wire grid Polarizer 32A One side 32B Other side 32C One side 32D The other side 34 Frame 36 Opening 37 Fixed part 37A Penetration Hole 40 Adjusting mechanism 41 Gripping part 42 Supporting point 43 Extension part 44 Biasing mechanism 44A Coil spring 44B Accommodating part 45 Feed screw 45A Thimble 45B Spindle 46 Plate 47 Screw 48 Block 49 First step 50 Second step 51 Fixed surface 52 Screw hole 53 Plate 54 Screw 55 Plate 55A Tip 55B Rear end 56 Supporting point 57 Torsion spring 60 Supporting part 61 Pin 62 Supporting member 63 Grooved roller 64 Coil spring 65 Groove L, L1, L2 Distance MD Transport direction TD Width direction S Space W Work WD Width

Claims (8)

Multiple quadrangular polarizers arranged in one direction,
An adjustment mechanism that is arranged on one side of the polarizer and rotates the polarizer,
A polarizing device that polarizes light from a light source equipped with
The adjustment mechanism is
A grip portion that grips the opposing surfaces of the polarizer,
The fulcrum arranged in the grip portion and
An actuating part that rotates the grip part around the fulcrum, and
Equipped with a,
A support portion that is arranged on the other side facing one side of the polarizer and supports the other side of the polarizer is provided.
A polarizing device in which the support portion includes a grooved roller and an elastic member that urges the roller toward the adjustment mechanism. The polarizing device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion has a length of 50% or more and 80% or less with respect to the length of one side of the polarizer. The polarizing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein adjacent polarizing elements are arranged at a distance in the thickness direction of the polarizing elements. The polarizing device according to claim 3 , wherein the adjacent polarizing elements partially overlap the polarizing elements in a plan view. The polarizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the operating portion has an urging mechanism and a feed screw that operates with respect to the urging mechanism. The polarizing device according to claim 5 , wherein the length direction of the lead screw is parallel to one direction in which the plurality of polarizers are arranged. The polarizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the polarizing element is a wire grid polarizing element. A step of transporting an object having a photoalignment film material formed on its surface,
A step of polarizing light from a light source through the polarizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and irradiating the material for a photoalignment film with the polarized light.
A method for producing a photoalignment film containing.

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