Patterned optical film

Abstract

The utility model discloses a patterned optical film which comprises a patterned alignment layer, a liquid crystal filling layer and a polarizing layer. The patterned alignment layer is provided with a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, the first surface is provided with a plurality of strip-shaped flat areas extending in the direction parallel to the film surface and a plurality of strip-shaped reflection slope areas extending in the direction parallel to the film surface, and each strip-shaped reflection slope area is arranged between the adjacent strip-shaped flat areas. The liquid crystal filling and leveling layer is formed on the first surface of the patterned alignment layer, covers the plurality of strip-shaped flat areas of the patterned alignment layer and fills and levels the plurality of strip-shaped reflection slope areas. The polarizing layer is arranged on the side, away from the pattern alignment layer, of the liquid crystal filling layer. When the patterned optical film provided by the utility model is used on the surface of a self-luminous electroluminescent display, the image contrast can be improved and the patterned optical film has metal reflection gloss when image light is displayed in a bright state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a patterned optical film, and more particularly to a patterned optical film for use on the surface of an electroluminescent display, which can present a high-contrast pattern and a metallic reflective luster effect formed by multiple regions with different reflective light intensities. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demands for the aesthetics and functionality of displays increase, the need for displays to match their surrounding environment also grows. For example, when a car display is off, it typically shows a black screen, but the interior trim of a vehicle may have different colors and textures. Therefore, if the display of a car display when off can match the color, texture, and gloss of the surrounding interior, a better matching effect can be achieved.

[0003] Patent publication TWI816461B discloses a patterned optical film for the surface of a self-emissive electroluminescent display. It comprises a patterned alignment layer, a liquid crystal leveling layer, and a polarizing layer. The patterned alignment layer has multiple strip-shaped phase difference regions of different depths arranged in a strip pattern. The liquid crystal leveling layer covers and fills these multiple strip-shaped phase difference regions. The polarizing layer is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal leveling layer away from the patterned alignment layer. The multiple strip-shaped phase difference regions produce different phase differences, resulting in different reflectivities for different visible light wavelengths after liquid crystal coating, thus forming a predetermined pattern texture and different colors. Although the patterned optical film disclosed in this patent utilizes a patterned alignment layer with phase difference regions of different heights to form a predetermined pattern texture and different colors after liquid crystal coating, the color contrast of the resulting patterned optical film still fails to meet expectations. To further improve color contrast, the thickness of the liquid crystal leveling layer needs to be significantly increased to increase its phase difference value, resulting in poor processability and increased liquid crystal material costs.

[0004] Furthermore, the gloss level of in-vehicle displays differs significantly from that of interior trim using metal panels, making it difficult to achieve a uniform finish. Directly attaching a thin film of metal sputtered onto the surface of the in-vehicle display would substantially block and reduce the light emitted by the displayed image. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a patterned optical film for the surface of a self-emissive electroluminescent display, which can improve image contrast and has a metallic reflective luster when displaying images in a bright state.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a patterned optical film comprising a patterned alignment layer, a liquid crystal leveling layer, and a polarizing layer. The patterned alignment layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first surface has a plurality of strip-shaped flat regions extending in a direction parallel to the film surface, and a plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions extending in a direction parallel to the film surface. Each strip-shaped reflective slope region is disposed between adjacent strip-shaped flat regions. The liquid crystal leveling layer is formed on the first surface of the patterned alignment layer and covers the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions and fills the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions of the patterned alignment layer. The polarizing layer is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal leveling layer away from the patterned alignment layer.

[0007] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the liquid crystal leveling layer has a first refractive index, the patterned alignment layer has a second refractive index, and the first refractive index is greater than the second refractive index.

[0008] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the first refractive index is between 1.55 and 1.80, and the second refractive index is between 1.40 and 1.55.

[0009] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the height of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions of the patterned alignment layer is between 0.1 μm and 30 μm, and the width of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions is between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0010] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the width of each of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions projected vertically onto the second surface of the patterned alignment layer is between 1 μm and 60 μm.

[0011] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the thickness of the liquid crystal leveling layer covering the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions of the patterned alignment layer is between 1 μm and 5 μm.

[0012] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions and the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions of the patterned alignment layer are distributed continuously or discontinuously in the direction parallel to the film surface.

[0013] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the liquid crystal leveling layer is a positive wavelength dispersed liquid crystal leveling layer, a reverse wavelength dispersed liquid crystal leveling layer, or a cholesterol liquid crystal leveling layer.

[0014] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the polarizing layer is one or any combination of an absorption polarizing layer, a reflection polarizing layer, a dyed polarizing layer, a coated polarizing layer, and a grating polarizing layer.

[0015] In the patterned optical film of this invention, the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions of the patterned alignment layer are either a single reflective slope or composed of two adjacent reflective slopes.

[0016] In the patterned optical film of this invention, when the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions are composed of two adjacent reflective slopes, the two adjacent reflective slopes are symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0017] In the patterned optical film of this invention, each of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions forms an angle θ with the normal direction perpendicular to the first surface of the patterned alignment layer, and the angle θ is between 30° and 60°.

[0018] When the patterned optical film provided by this invention is used on the surface of a self-emissive electroluminescent display, it can improve image contrast and provide a metallic reflective luster when displaying images in a bright state.

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a patterned optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a patterned optical film according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To provide a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of this utility model, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to the embodiments.

[0023] The following will describe embodiments of the patterned optical film of this utility model with reference to the relevant drawings. For ease of understanding, the same elements in the following embodiments will be indicated by the same symbols. Example Example 1

[0024] Please refer to the following: Figure 1This novel embodiment provides a patterned optical film 10, which includes a patterned alignment layer 100, a liquid crystal leveling layer 200, and a polarizing layer 300. The patterned alignment layer 100 has a first surface 100a and a second surface 100b opposite to each other. The first surface 100a has a plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 110 extending in a direction parallel to the film surface (XY plane direction) and a plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 120 extending in a direction parallel to the film surface. Each strip-shaped reflective slope region 120 is disposed between adjacent strip-shaped flat regions 110. The liquid crystal leveling layer 200 is formed on the first surface 100a of the patterned alignment layer 100, and the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 covers the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 110 of the patterned alignment layer 100 and fills the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 120. The polarizing layer 300 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 away from the patterned alignment layer 100. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the strip-shaped flat area 110 and the strip-shaped reflective inclined area 120 is the Y-axis direction. Other embodiments of this utility model may also select other directions in the XY plane as the extension direction as needed, such as, but not limited to, directions in the XY plane that have an angle with the Y-axis, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0025] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 has a first refractive index, and the patterned alignment layer 100 has a second refractive index, wherein the first refractive index is greater than the second refractive index. When ambient light enters the patterned optical film 10 attached to the surface of the display, total internal reflection can be further generated in the strip-shaped reflective slope region 120, resulting in a better metallic luster. The first refractive index is between 1.55 and 1.80, and the second refractive index is between 1.40 and 1.55.

[0026] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the thickness h1 of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 covering the strip-shaped flat regions 110 of the patterned alignment layer 100 is between 1 μm and 5 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 on each strip-shaped flat region 110 may be different.

[0027] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the reflective slope 121 of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 120 forms an angle θ with the normal direction of the first surface 100a of the vertical patterned alignment layer 100, and the angle θ is between 30° and 60°.

[0028] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the height H of the strip-shaped flat regions 110 of the patterned alignment layer 100 is between 0.1 μm and 30 μm, and the width w1 of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 110 is between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm. Furthermore, the height H and the width w1 of each strip-shaped flat region 110 may be different.

[0029] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the width w2 of the reflective slope 121 of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 120 of the patterned alignment layer 100 projected vertically onto the second surface 100b of the patterned alignment layer 100 is between 1 μm and 60 μm. Furthermore, the width w2 corresponding to each strip-shaped reflective slope 121 may be different.

[0030] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the multiple strip-shaped flat regions 110 and multiple strip-shaped reflective inclined regions 120 of the patterned alignment layer 100 are distributed continuously or discontinuously in the direction parallel to the film surface (XY plane direction).

[0031] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 is a positive wavelength dispersed liquid crystal leveling layer, a reverse wavelength dispersed liquid crystal leveling layer, or a cholesterol liquid crystal leveling layer.

[0032] In the patterned optical film 10 of this invention, the polarizing layer 300 is one or any combination of an absorption polarizing layer, a reflection polarizing layer, a dyed polarizing layer, a coated polarizing layer, and a grating polarizing layer. Example 2

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides another patterned optical film 20, which includes a patterned alignment layer 400, a liquid crystal leveling layer 200, and a polarizing layer 300. The patterned alignment layer 400 has a first surface 400a and a second surface 400b opposite to each other. The first surface 400a has a plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 410 extending in the direction parallel to the film surface (XY plane direction) and a plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 420 extending in the direction parallel to the film surface. Each strip-shaped reflective slope region 420 is respectively disposed between adjacent strip-shaped flat regions 410. The liquid crystal leveling layer 200 is formed on the first surface 400a of the patterned alignment layer 400 and covers the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 410 and fills the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 420 of the patterned alignment layer 400. The polarizing layer 300 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 away from the patterned alignment layer 400. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the strip-shaped flat area 410 and the strip-shaped reflective inclined area 420 is the Y-axis direction. Other embodiments of this utility model may also select other directions in the XY plane as the extension direction as needed, such as, but not limited to, directions in the XY plane that have an angle with the Y-axis, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0034] The patterned optical film 20 provided in this embodiment has the first refractive index of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 and the second refractive index of the polarizing layer 300, as well as their thickness and material, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] In the patterned optical film 20 of this invention, the multiple strip-shaped reflective slope regions 420 of the patterned alignment layer 400 are either a single reflective slope 420a or composed of two adjacent reflective slopes 420b. When the strip-shaped reflective slope region 420 is composed of two adjacent reflective slopes 420b, the two reflective slopes 420b are symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0036] In the patterned optical film 20 of this invention, the thickness h1' of the liquid crystal leveling layer 200 covering the strip-shaped flat area 410 of the patterned alignment layer 400 is between 1 μm and 5 μm.

[0037] In the patterned optical film 20 of this invention, the reflective slopes 420a and 420b of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions 420 are perpendicular to the normal direction of the first surface 400a of the patterned alignment layer 400 at an angle θ, and the angle θ is between 30° and 60°.

[0038] In the patterned optical film 20 of this invention, the height H' of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 410 of the patterned alignment layer 400 is between 0.1 μm and 30 μm, and the width w1' of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions 410 is between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0039] In the patterned optical film 20 of this invention, the width w2' of each of the multiple strip-shaped reflective slope regions 420, which is perpendicularly projected onto the second surface 400b of the patterned alignment layer 400, is between 1 μm and 60 μm.

[0040] This invention provides a patterned optical film that, when used on the surface of a self-emissive electroluminescent display, can improve image contrast and provide a metallic reflective luster when displaying images in a bright state.

[0041] Of course, there may be other embodiments of this utility model. Without departing from the spirit and essence of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications based on this utility model, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A patterned optical film, characterized in that, Include: A patterned alignment layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, wherein the first surface has a plurality of strip-shaped flat regions extending in a direction parallel to the film surface and a plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions extending in the direction parallel to the film surface, and each strip-shaped reflective slope region is disposed between adjacent strip-shaped flat regions. A liquid crystal leveling layer is formed on the first surface of the patterned alignment layer, and the liquid crystal leveling layer covers the plurality of strip-shaped flat areas and fills the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope areas of the patterned alignment layer. as well as A polarizing layer is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal leveling layer away from the patterned alignment layer.

2. The patterned optical film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal leveling layer has a first refractive index, the patterned alignment layer has a second refractive index, and the first refractive index is greater than the second refractive index.

3. The patterned optical film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first refractive index is between 1.55 and 1.80, and the second refractive index is between 1.40 and 1.

55.

4. The patterned optical film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The patterned alignment layer consists of multiple strip-shaped reflective slope regions that are either a single reflective slope or composed of two adjacent reflective slopes.

5. The patterned optical film as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the multiple strip-shaped reflective slope regions are composed of two adjacent reflective slopes, the two adjacent reflective slopes are either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

6. The patterned optical film as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions forms an angle θ with the normal direction perpendicular to the first surface of the patterned alignment layer, and the angle θ is between 30° and 60°.

7. The patterned optical film as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The width of each of the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions projected vertically onto the second surface of the patterned alignment layer is between 1 μm and 60 μm.

8. The patterned optical film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions in the patterned alignment layer is between 0.1 μm and 30 μm, and the width of the plurality of strip-shaped flat regions is between 0.01 mm and 1.0 mm.

9. The patterned optical film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the liquid crystal leveling layer covering the plurality of flat regions of the patterned alignment layer is between 1 μm and 5 μm.

10. The patterned optical film as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of strip-shaped flat regions and the plurality of strip-shaped reflective slope regions of the patterned alignment layer are distributed continuously or discontinuously in the direction parallel to the film surface.

11. The patterned optical film as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal filler layer is a positive wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filler layer, a reverse wavelength dispersive liquid crystal filler layer, or a cholesterol liquid crystal filler layer.

12. The patterned optical film as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The polarizing layer is one of or any combination of an absorption polarizing layer, a reflection polarizing layer, a dyed polarizing layer, a coated polarizing layer, or a grating polarizing layer.

Images