Patterned optical film

Abstract

The utility model discloses a patterned optical film which comprises a base material, a patterned alignment layer arranged on the base material, a liquid crystal filling layer and a polarizing layer, the patterned alignment layer is provided with a plurality of alignment patterns and a plurality of micro-grooves, the alignment patterns are different in height and extend in a strip shape, each micro-groove is arranged between every two adjacent alignment patterns, and the liquid crystal filling layer is arranged on the polarizing layer. The liquid crystal filling layer covers the tops of the alignment patterns and fills the micro-structure grooves, and the polarization layer is attached to the liquid crystal filling layer through the adhesion layer. When the patterned optical film displays image light in a bright state, sufficient phase difference can be provided by the aid of the liquid crystals in the micro grooves no matter in the thickness direction or in the side view angle direction, so that image contrast and hue are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a patterned optical film, and particularly to a patterned optical film for the surface of an electroluminescent display, which has the effect of generating multiple regions of different reflected light hues to form a high-contrast pattern. Background Art

[0002] As people's requirements for the beauty and functionality of displays increase, the demand for various displays to match the surrounding environment has thus increased. For example, when a vehicle-mounted display is not turned on, the display screen is generally black, but the vehicle interior may have different colors and material textures. Therefore, if the display screen of the vehicle-mounted display can be consistent with the surrounding interior color and texture when it is not turned on, a better matching effect can be achieved.

[0003] The patent with publication number TWI816461B proposes a patterned optical film for the surface of a self-luminous electroluminescent display, which includes a patterned alignment layer, a liquid crystal filling layer, and a polarizing layer. The patterned alignment layer has a plurality of strip-shaped phase difference regions with different depths and arranged in strips; the liquid crystal filling layer covers and fills the plurality of strip-shaped phase difference regions; the polarizing layer is disposed on the liquid crystal filling layer, wherein the phase differences generated by the strip-shaped phase difference regions are different, and different reflectivities can be obtained for different visible light wavelengths after coating with liquid crystal, forming a preset pattern texture and different colors. Although the patterned optical film disclosed in this patent uses a patterned alignment layer with regions of different height phase differences to form a preset pattern texture and different colors after coating with liquid crystal, the color contrast of the produced patterned optical film still fails to meet the expectation. If the color contrast needs to be further improved, the thickness of the liquid crystal filling layer needs to be significantly increased to increase its phase difference value, so the processability is poor and the cost of liquid crystal materials increases. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the present utility model is to provide a patterned optical film for the surface of a self-luminous electroluminescent display, which can improve the image contrast and hue when displaying image light in the bright state.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present utility model provides a patterned optical film, which includes a substrate, a patterned alignment layer, a liquid crystal filling layer, and a polarizing layer. The patterned alignment layer is disposed on the substrate. The patterned alignment layer has a plurality of alignment patterns extending in strips with different heights and a plurality of microgrooves, and each microgroove is respectively disposed between adjacent alignment patterns; the liquid crystal filling layer covers the tops of the plurality of alignment patterns and the liquid crystal filling layer fills the plurality of microgrooves; the polarizing layer is attached to the liquid crystal filling layer by an adhesive layer.

[0006] As an alternative technical solution, the height of the plurality of alignment patterns ranges from 0.1 μm to 30 μm, the bottom width of the cross-section ranges from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, and the bottom width of the plurality of microgrooves ranges from 1 μm to 60 μm.

[0007] As an alternative technical solution, the thickness of the liquid crystal filling layer covering the tops of the plurality of alignment patterns ranges from 1 μm to 5 μm.

[0008] As an alternative technical solution, the cross-section of the plurality of alignment patterns is rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0009] As an alternative technical solution, the cross-section of the plurality of alignment patterns is trapezoidal, and its side inclined surface forms an angle θ with the normal direction perpendicular to the substrate direction, and the angle θ ranges from 1° to 45°.

[0010] As an alternative technical solution, the plurality of alignment patterns of the patterned alignment layer are continuously or discontinuously distributed in the extending direction.

[0011] As an alternative technical solution, the liquid crystal filling layer is a positive wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filling layer, or an inverse wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filling layer or a cholesteric liquid crystal filling layer.

[0012] As an alternative technical solution, the polarizing layer is one or any combination of an absorption type polarizing layer, a reflection type polarizing layer, a dyeing type polarizing layer, a coating type polarizing layer, and a grating type polarizing layer.

[0013] As an alternative technical solution, the patterned optical film further includes at least one functional film layer, the at least one functional film layer is formed on the surface of the polarizing layer, and the at least one functional film layer is one or any combination of a heat insulation film, an explosion-proof film, a hard coating film, an anti-fouling film, an anti-glare film, and an anti-reflection film

[0014] When the patterned optical film of the present utility model displays image light in the bright state, whether in the thickness direction or the side viewing angle direction, sufficient phase difference can be provided by the liquid crystal in the microgrooves to improve image contrast and color tone.

[0015] The present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a patterned optical film according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alignment patterns included in the patterned alignment layer of the patterned optical film of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 3Schematic cross-sectional view of the patterned optical film according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0019] To further understand the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following will be described in detail in conjunction with embodiments.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the patterned optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alignment pattern included in the patterned alignment layer of the patterned optical film of the present invention. As Figure 1 shown, the present invention provides a patterned optical film 10, which includes a substrate 100, a patterned alignment layer 200, a liquid crystal filling layer 300 and a polarizing layer 400. The patterned alignment layer 200 is disposed on the substrate 100. The patterned alignment layer 200 has a plurality of alignment patterns 200a extending in a strip shape with different heights and a plurality of microgrooves 200b. Each microgroove 200b is respectively disposed between adjacent alignment patterns 200a; the liquid crystal filling layer 300 covers the plurality of alignment patterns 200a and the liquid crystal filling layer 300 fills the plurality of microgrooves 200b; the polarizing layer 400 is attached to the liquid crystal filling layer 300 through an adhesive layer 500. In one embodiment, the substrate 100 can also be regarded as a substrate layer.

[0021] In the patterned optical film of one embodiment, the height H of the plurality of strip-shaped extending alignment patterns 200a of the patterned alignment layer 200 ranges from 0.1 μm to 30 μm.

[0022] In the patterned optical film of one embodiment, the bottom width W of the cross-section of the plurality of strip-shaped extending alignment patterns 200a of the patterned alignment layer 200 perpendicular to the alignment direction (Y-axis direction) ranges from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0023] In the patterned optical film of one embodiment, the bottom width of the microgroove 200b between adjacent alignment patterns 200a in the patterned alignment layer 200 ranges from 1 μm to 60 μm.

[0024] In the patterned optical film of one embodiment, the thickness D of the liquid crystal filling layer 300 covering the tops of the plurality of alignment patterns 200a ranges from 1 μm to 5 μm. The thickness of the liquid crystal filling layer 300 filled in the plurality of microgrooves 200b depends on the depth formed by the alignment patterns 200a on both sides adjacent to each microgroove 200b.

[0025] In the patterned optical film of one embodiment, the plurality of strip-shaped extending alignment patterns 200a of the patterned alignment layer 200 may be continuously or discontinuously distributed in the extending direction (Y-axis direction).

[0026] In the patterned optical film of an embodiment, when the liquid crystal filling layer 300 covers the plurality of alignment patterns 200a and the plurality of microgrooves 200b, the phase difference of the formed phase difference region is between 80 nm and 600 nm according to the difference in the height of the plurality of alignment patterns 200a. When external ambient light enters the patterned optical film 10 and is reflected by the electrodes (not shown in the figure) of the electroluminescent display, the phase differences generated by the plurality of strip-shaped extended alignment patterns 200a of the patterned optical film 10 can be different, so that different reflectivities can be obtained for different visible light wavelengths, forming a preset pattern texture and different colors. And there are microgrooves 200b between the alignment patterns 200a of the patterned alignment layer 200 of the patterned optical film 10. Therefore, whether in the thickness direction or the side viewing angle direction when displaying image light in the bright state, sufficient phase difference can be provided by the liquid crystal in the microgrooves 200b to improve the image contrast and color tone.

[0027] In the patterned optical film of an embodiment, the optical axis directions (not shown) of the liquid crystal filling layer 300 corresponding to the plurality of alignment patterns 200a and the plurality of microgrooves 200b are the same or different.

[0028] In the patterned optical film of an embodiment, the liquid crystal filling layer 300 is, for example but not limited to, a positive wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filling layer, or a negative wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filling layer or a cholesteric liquid crystal filling layer.

[0029] In the patterned optical film of an embodiment, the polarizing layer 400 is, for example but not limited to, one of or any combination of an absorption type polarizing layer, a reflection type polarizing layer, a dyeing type polarizing layer, a coating type polarizing layer, a grating type polarizing layer.

[0030] In the patterned optical film of an embodiment, the cross section of the plurality of strip-shaped extended alignment patterns 210a of the patterned alignment layer 210 can be rectangular or trapezoidal. When the cross section of the plurality of strip-shaped extended alignment patterns 210a of the patterned alignment layer 210 is trapezoidal, as Figure 2 shown, its side inclined surface forms an angle θ with the normal direction perpendicular to the substrate 110, and the angle θ is between 1° and 45°.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the patterned optical film of another embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 3 shown, in the patterned optical film of an embodiment, the patterned optical film 20 further includes at least one functional film layer 600. The at least one functional film layer 600 is located on the surface of the polarizing layer 400. The at least one functional film layer 600 is, for example but not limited to, one of or any combination of a heat insulation film, an explosion-proof film, a hard coating film, an anti-fouling film, an anti-glare film, an anti-reflection film.

[0032] When the patterned optical film of the present utility model displays image light in the bright state, whether in the thickness direction or the side viewing angle direction, sufficient phase difference can be provided by the liquid crystal in the microgrooves to improve the image contrast and color tone.

[0033] Of course, the present utility model can also have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present utility model, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and deformations according to the present utility model. However, these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A patterned optical film, characterized in that Comprising: A substrate; A patterned alignment layer disposed on the substrate, the patterned alignment layer having a plurality of alignment patterns extending stripwise with different heights and a plurality of microgrooves, each microgroove being respectively disposed between adjacent alignment patterns; A liquid crystal leveling layer covering the tops of the plurality of alignment patterns and the liquid crystal leveling layer leveling the plurality of microgrooves; And A polarizing layer attached to the liquid crystal leveling layer by an adhesive layer.

2. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein The heights of the plurality of alignment patterns are between 0.1 μm and 30 μm and the bottom widths of the cross sections are between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm, and the bottom widths of the plurality of microgrooves are between 1 μm and 60 μm.

3. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the liquid crystal leveling layer covering the tops of the plurality of alignment patterns is between 1 μm and 5 μm.

4. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein The cross sections of the plurality of alignment patterns are rectangular or trapezoidal.

5. The patterned optical film according to claim 4, wherein The cross sections of the plurality of alignment patterns are trapezoidal, and their side inclined surfaces form an angle θ with the normal direction perpendicular to the substrate direction, and the angle θ is between 1° and 45°.

6. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of alignment patterns of the patterned alignment layer are continuously or discontinuously distributed in the extending direction.

7. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein The liquid crystal leveling layer is a positive wavelength dispersive liquid crystal leveling layer, or a negative wavelength dispersive liquid crystal leveling layer or a cholesteric liquid crystal leveling layer.

8. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein, The polarizing layer is one or any combination of an absorption type polarizing layer, a reflection type polarizing layer, a dyeing type polarizing layer, a coating type polarizing layer, a grating type polarizing layer.

9. The patterned optical film according to claim 1, wherein, The patterned optical film further comprises at least one functional film layer formed on the surface of the polarizing layer, the at least one functional film layer being one or any combination of a heat insulating film, an explosion-proof film, a hard coating film, an anti-fouling film, an anti-glare film, an anti-reflection film.

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