Reflective liquid crystal display device

Abstract

The application discloses a reflective liquid crystal display device, which comprises an array substrate, an opposite substrate arranged opposite to the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the opposite substrate and the array substrate, wherein the opposite substrate is provided with a polarization assembly, the polarization assembly comprises a linear polaroid, the array substrate is provided with a first reflection layer and pixel electrodes arranged in an array, the liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules and nanoparticles mixed with each other, the refractive index of the nanoparticles is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules, and the nanoparticles and the liquid crystal molecules cooperate with each other and can reflect and scatter light. By doping the nanoparticles mixed with the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and by making the refractive index of the nanoparticles different from that of the liquid crystal molecules, the nanoparticles and the liquid crystal molecules can cooperate with each other to reflect and scatter light, so that the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device to light is improved, and the contrast and the picture quality of the display picture of the reflective liquid crystal display device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reflective display technology, and in particular to a reflective liquid crystal display device. Background Technology

[0002] Display panels offer advantages such as thinness, durability, and low power consumption, which are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, they require a backlight, resulting in a thicker module and higher cost. Electronic paper displays (reflective displays) have emerged as a solution to meet the needs of the general public. Unlike LCD displays, which require a backlight, electronic paper displays can use external light sources to display images. Therefore, even in strong sunlight, the information on the electronic paper remains clearly visible without viewing angle issues. Furthermore, due to their energy efficiency, high reflectivity, and high contrast ratio, electronic paper displays are now widely used in e-readers (such as e-books and e-newspapers) and other electronic components (such as price tags).

[0003] Existing electronic paper displays typically employ E-Ink microcapsule technology (microcapsule electronic ink technology), SiPix microcup technology (microcup electrophoretic display technology), Bridgestone electronic liquid powder technology, Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Display (CLCD) technology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, or electrowetting technology. However, existing electronic paper display technologies are less mature than liquid crystal display technologies, have lower mass production efficiency, higher manufacturing costs, and cannot achieve color display.

[0004] To achieve color reflective displays, reflective liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are typically used. However, this requires polarizers, which result in significant light loss and thus lower reflectivity in reflective LCDs. When the ambient light source is weak, the brightness of reflective LCDs is even lower, leading to lower contrast. Reflective efficiency is a crucial indicator for evaluating display devices; higher reflective efficiency results in higher brightness, higher contrast, and better display quality. Therefore, improving the reflective efficiency of reflective LCDs is a significant research direction in the field of reflective displays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a reflective liquid crystal display device to solve the problem of low reflectivity in the prior art.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] The present invention provides a reflective liquid crystal display device, comprising an array substrate, a counter substrate disposed opposite to the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the counter substrate and the array substrate. The counter substrate is provided with a polarizing component, the polarizing component including a linear polarizer. The array substrate is provided with a first reflective layer and pixel electrodes arranged in an array.

[0008] The liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules and nanoparticles mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules. The nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules work together to reflect and scatter light.

[0009] Furthermore, the opposing substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrode, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate and the array substrate, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the opposing substrate is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate, and the liquid crystal layer has a phase delay of λ / 4 in the initial state.

[0010] Furthermore, the opposing substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrode. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned perpendicular to the opposing substrate and the array substrate. When the liquid crystal molecules are in a flat position, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is at 45° with the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer. At this time, the liquid crystal layer has a phase delay of λ / 4.

[0011] Alternatively, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate and the array substrate, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the opposing substrate is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate, and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is at 45° to the transmission axis of the linear polarizer, and the liquid crystal layer has a phase retardation of λ / 4 in the initial state.

[0012] Furthermore, the array substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrode. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate and the array substrate. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the opposing substrate is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate. The long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is at 45° to the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer. The liquid crystal layer has a phase delay of λ / 4 in the initial state.

[0013] Furthermore, the polarization component includes a quarter-wave plate located between the linear polarizer and the opposing substrate, wherein the transmission axis of the linear polarizer is at a 45° angle to the fast and slow axes of the quarter-wave plate.

[0014] This application also provides a reflective liquid crystal display device, including an array substrate, a counter substrate disposed opposite to the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the counter substrate and the array substrate. The array substrate is provided with a first reflective layer and pixel electrodes arranged in an array, and the counter substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrodes.

[0015] The liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules, nanoparticles, and dye molecules mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules. The nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules work together to reflect and scatter light.

[0016] The liquid crystal molecules and the dye molecules are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate and the array substrate, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the dye molecules on the side closer to the opposing substrate is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate.

[0017] Furthermore, the liquid crystal layer includes a afterglow luminescent structure, which is capable of absorbing and storing light energy before emitting light.

[0018] Furthermore, the pixel electrode is made of a reflective material and reused as the first reflective layer;

[0019] The array substrate is provided with a second reflective layer, which is located at the edge of the pixel electrode and separates the multiple pixel electrodes from each other.

[0020] Furthermore, the refractive index of the nanoparticles differs from that of the liquid crystal molecules by more than 0.1.

[0021] And / or, the nanoparticles have a spherical or strip-shaped structure;

[0022] And / or, the diameter of the nanoparticles is 5 nm to 500 nm;

[0023] And / or, the nanoparticles are white or transparent.

[0024] Furthermore, the opposing substrate is provided with a black matrix and a color resist layer corresponding to the pixel unit, the black matrix separating the multiple color resist layers from each other; or, the opposing substrate is provided with a black matrix and a transparent area corresponding to the pixel unit, the black matrix separating the multiple transparent areas from each other.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by doping the liquid crystal layer with nanoparticles that are mixed with liquid crystal molecules, and the refractive index of the nanoparticles is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules, the nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules can reflect and scatter light after they work together, thereby improving the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device and thus improving the contrast and image quality of the displayed picture; moreover, since the nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules can scatter light after they work together, there is no need to set a diffuse reflection structure (protrusion structure) on the first reflective layer to achieve a good reflection effect. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of spherical nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of strip-shaped nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 16 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 17 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 18 This is the second schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 19 This is the second schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, provides a detailed explanation of the specific implementation methods, structure, features, and effects of the reflective liquid crystal display device proposed according to the present invention:

[0050] [Example 1]

[0051] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes an array substrate 20, a counter substrate 10 disposed opposite to the array substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30 located between the counter substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 includes liquid crystal molecules 31 and nanoparticles 32 mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles 32 is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules 31. The nanoparticles 32 and the liquid crystal molecules 31 cooperate with each other and can reflect and scatter light.

[0053] In this process, the proportion of nanoparticles 32 in the liquid crystal layer 30 is 45% to 65%, preferably 50%. The nanoparticles 32 have a diameter of 5 nm to 500 nm and are white or transparent. Their function is to increase the reflection and scattering of incident light, thereby improving the overall reflectivity of the display device and increasing the viewing angle. The nanoparticles 32 can be made of inorganic or organic materials and are uniformly dispersed within the liquid crystal layer 30, existing stably. The refractive index of the nanoparticles 32 differs from that of the liquid crystal molecules 31, preferably by more than 0.1, to increase the reflection and refractive index at the interface between the liquid crystal molecules 31 and the nanoparticles 32. Of course, in practical applications, the specific material of the nanoparticles 32 can be selected according to actual needs, as long as the material meets the requirements of having a different refractive index from the liquid crystal molecules 31, a diameter of 5 nm to 500 nm, and being white or transparent.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of spherical nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of strip-shaped nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, nanoparticles 32 can be spherical structures with a diameter of 5 nm to 500 nm. Nanoparticles 32 can be organic macromolecules combined with liquid crystal molecules 31 and uniformly dispersed; of course, nanoparticles 32 can also be inorganic nanoparticles, such as SiOx particles. Figure 4 As shown, nanoparticles 32 can also be strip structures, such as carbon nanotubes, glass fibers, etc., and are uniformly mixed with liquid crystal molecules 31. The diameter of nanoparticles 32 is 5nm~20nm and the length is 5nm~500nm.

[0055] In this embodiment, the array substrate 20 is provided with a first reflective layer 21 and pixel electrodes 22 arranged in an array. The first reflective layer 21 is used to reflect light, and the pixel electrodes 22 are used to apply grayscale voltage to control the liquid crystal molecules 31 to undergo flat deflection. The opposing substrate 10 is provided with a polarization component 40 and a common electrode 13 that cooperates with the pixel electrodes 22. The common electrode 13 is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the opposing substrate 10. The polarization component 40 includes a linear polarizer 41 and a quarter-wave plate 42. The quarter-wave plate 42 is located between the linear polarizer 41 and the opposing substrate 10. The transmission axis of the linear polarizer 41 is at a 45° angle to the fast and slow axes of the quarter-wave plate 42 (the fast and slow axes of the quarter-wave plate 42 are perpendicular to each other). Optionally, the pixel electrodes 22 are made of a reflective material (e.g., aluminum) and reused as the first reflective layer 21. That is, the pixel electrodes 22 have a reflective effect and act as the first reflective layer 21, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cell thickness and manufacturing cost of the reflective liquid crystal display device. Of course, the first reflective layer 21 can also be located on a different layer from the pixel electrode 22, and can be fabricated using different metal film layers and different etching processes. The surface of the first reflective layer 21 (pixel electrode 22) facing the liquid crystal layer 30 is planar, thereby increasing the reflection effect. The reflective liquid crystal display device achieves the light scattering effect through the interaction of nanoparticles 32 and liquid crystal molecules, thereby improving the display effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the quarter-wave plate 42 can be omitted, and the polarization component 40 can be composed of a linear polarizer 41, but the reflective display effect is poor.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the opposing substrate 10 has a black matrix 11 and color resist layers 12 corresponding to pixel units P. The black matrix 11 separates the multiple color resist layers 12 from each other. The color resist layers 12 include red, green, and blue color resist materials, corresponding to the red, green, and blue pixel units P respectively, thereby enabling the reflective liquid crystal display device to achieve full-color reflective display. Of course, in other embodiments, the opposing substrate 10 has a black matrix 11 and transparent areas corresponding to pixel units P, with the black matrix 11 separating the multiple transparent areas from each other. That is, the opposing substrate 10 does not need to have color resist layers 12, thereby enabling the reflective liquid crystal display device to achieve black and white reflective display.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, the array substrate 20 has multiple scan lines 1 and multiple data lines 2 on the side facing the liquid crystal layer 30. The multiple scan lines 1 and multiple data lines 2 are mutually insulated and intersecting to form multiple pixel units P. Each pixel unit P has a pixel electrode 22 and a thin-film transistor 3. The pixel electrode 22 is electrically connected to the data line 2 of the adjacent thin-film transistor 3 through the thin-film transistor 3. The thin-film transistor 3 includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate is located on the same layer as the scan line 1 and is electrically connected. The gate and the active layer are isolated by an insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data line 2, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 22 through a contact hole.

[0058] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal molecule 31 is a positive liquid crystal molecule, that is, a liquid crystal molecule with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecule 31 is aligned parallel to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule 31 on the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate 20. The liquid crystal molecule 31 is twisted 90° or 270° from the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 toward the array substrate 20 to achieve a TN display mode. The liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4 in the initial state, so that the reflective liquid crystal display device is in a bright state in the initial state to achieve a normally white mode.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, no voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 22 when it is in the bright state, and the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 maintain their initial twisted state. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4. Figure 6 As shown, ambient light I passes through linear polarizer 41 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°). This linearly polarized light then passes through quarter-wave plate 42 and becomes circularly polarized light (e.g., left-handed). The circularly polarized light then passes through liquid crystal layer 30 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°). The linearly polarized light remains unchanged after reflection by the first reflective layer 21 (pixel electrode 22). The reflected light passes through liquid crystal layer 30 and becomes circularly polarized light (e.g., left-handed). This circularly polarized light then passes through quarter-wave plate 42 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°), before exiting from linear polarizer 41 to achieve a bright state. When light passes through liquid crystal layer 30, the nanoparticles 32 and liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 interact and reflect and scatter the light, thereby increasing the reflectivity of the entire reflective liquid crystal display device for ambient light I and achieving a diffuse reflection effect, thus improving the contrast and image quality of the displayed image.

[0060] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13 in the dark state, and a dark state voltage (e.g., 5V) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, forming a strong vertical electric field between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13. Figure 7 In case of phase retardation (E1), the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 are deflected vertically and perpendicular to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 30 has no phase retardation. Figure 8 As shown, ambient light I passes through linear polarizer 41 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°). The linearly polarized light passes through quarter-wave plate 42 and becomes circularly polarized light (e.g., left-handed). The circularly polarized light passes through liquid crystal layer 30 and is still circularly polarized light (e.g., left-handed). After being reflected by the first reflective layer 21 (pixel electrode 22), the circularly polarized light is reversed (becomes right-handed). The reflected light passes through liquid crystal layer 30 and is still circularly polarized light (e.g., right-handed). The circularly polarized light passes through quarter-wave plate 42 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 90°), and is then absorbed by linear polarizer 41 to achieve a dark state.

[0061] In the reflective liquid crystal display device, when displaying a normal pattern, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13 and a gray level voltage (0-255 gray level) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, thereby forming an electric field of different intensities between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13, which drives the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 to deflect at different amplitudes in the vertical direction, thereby controlling the intensity of reflected light and realizing the normal display of the image.

[0062] [Example 2]

[0063] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment 1 (… Figures 1 to 8 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0064] In this embodiment, a second reflective layer 23 is provided on the array substrate 20. The second reflective layer 23 is located at the edge of the pixel electrode 22 and spaces the multiple pixel electrodes 22 apart from each other. That is, the projection of the second reflective layer 23 on the opposing substrate 10 coincides with the black matrix 11, thereby increasing the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device to ambient light. Optionally, the second reflective layer 23 and the pixel electrode 22 are located on the same layer and are fabricated using the same metal film layer and the same etching process, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cell thickness and manufacturing cost of the reflective liquid crystal display device. Of course, in other embodiments, the second reflective layer 23 may also be located on a different layer from the pixel electrode 22 and be fabricated using different metal film layers and different etching processes.

[0065] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] [Example 3]

[0067] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 11 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment 1 (… Figures 1 to 8 Example 2 Figure 9 and Figure 10 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0068] In this embodiment, the first reflective layer 21 and the pixel electrode 22 are located on different layers and are fabricated using different metal film layers and different etching processes. The first reflective layer 21 is disposed between the pixel electrode 22 and the array substrate 20. The first reflective layer 21 can directly contact the surface of the array substrate 20 to avoid affecting the normal operation of other electrodes, and can also shield the pixel electrode 22, scan line 1, data line 2, and thin-film transistor 3 from external electric fields. The first reflective layer 21 is a planar structure that fully covers the array substrate 20, thereby increasing the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device to ambient light.

[0069] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] [Example 4]

[0071] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment 1 (… Figures 1 to 8 Example 2 Figure 9 and Figure 10 Example 3 Figure 11 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0072] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 30 includes liquid crystal molecules 31, nanoparticles 32, and dye molecules 33 mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles 32 is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules 31. The nanoparticles 32 and the liquid crystal molecules 31 cooperate with each other and can reflect and scatter light. The liquid crystal molecules 31 are positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 on the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate 20. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 are twisted 90° or 270° from the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 toward the array substrate 20 to achieve the TN display mode. The dye molecule 33 has an absorption axis and a transmission axis. The absorption capacity of the dye molecule 33 along its long axis is greater than that along its short axis. The dye molecule 33 has the characteristic of strong light absorption along its long axis and very weak light absorption along its short axis. The dye molecule 33 is preferably a black dye molecule. Since the dye molecule 33 is doped into the liquid crystal layer 30 in this embodiment and mixed with the liquid crystal molecule 31 and nanoparticles 32, the polarization component 40 is not required in this embodiment. This reduces the cell thickness and manufacturing cost of the reflective liquid crystal display device and further improves the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device to ambient light.

[0073] like Figure 12 As shown, in the dark state, no voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 22 of the reflective liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and dye molecules 33 in the liquid crystal layer 30 maintain their initial twisted state. Therefore, the dye molecules 33 can absorb light from all directions, thus making the reflective liquid crystal display device appear black. Figure 13 As shown, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, when in the bright state, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13, and a bright state voltage (e.g., 5V) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, forming a strong vertical electric field between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13. Figure 13 In the case of E1), the liquid crystal molecules 31 and dye molecules 33 in the liquid crystal layer 30 are deflected in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. At this time, the dye molecules 33 have a weaker absorption effect on light, and the ambient light can be emitted from the opposing substrate 10 after being reflected by the first reflective layer 21, thereby making the reflective liquid crystal display device appear bright.

[0074] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] [Example 5]

[0076] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment 1 ( Figures 1 to 8 Example 2 Figure 9 and Figure 10 Example 3 Figure 11 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0077] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 30 includes mixed liquid crystal molecules 31, nanoparticles 32, dye molecules 33, and a afterglow luminescent structure 34. The afterglow luminescent structure 34 can absorb and store light energy and then emit light. The refractive index of the nanoparticles 32 is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules 31. The nanoparticles 32 and the liquid crystal molecules 31 cooperate with each other and can reflect and scatter light. The liquid crystal molecules 31 are positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 on the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate 20. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and the dye molecules 33 are twisted 90° or 270° from the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 toward the array substrate 20 to achieve a TN display mode.

[0078] The dye molecule 33 has an absorption axis and a transmission axis. The absorption capacity of the dye molecule 33 along its long axis is greater than that along its short axis. The dye molecule 33 has the characteristic of strong light absorption along its long axis and very weak light absorption along its short axis. The dye molecule 33 is preferably a black dye molecule. Since the dye molecule 33 is doped into the liquid crystal layer 30 in this embodiment and mixed with the liquid crystal molecule 31 and nanoparticles 32, the polarization component 40 is not required in this embodiment. This reduces the cell thickness and manufacturing cost of the reflective liquid crystal display device and further improves the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal display device to ambient light.

[0079] The afterglow emitting structure 34 can absorb and store light energy to emit white light. Therefore, when the ambient light is strong, the afterglow emitting structure 34 can absorb and store light energy; when the ambient light is weak, it can emit white light, thereby increasing the display brightness of the reflective liquid crystal display device in dark environments. The material of the afterglow emitting structure 34 is preferably a long-persistent material, a mixed afterglow material whose emission peak includes red, green, and blue primary colors. Through color mixing, the excitation light can form white light. Common types of long-persistent materials include sulfide, aluminate-based, and silicate-based afterglow materials. These materials can maintain self-emission time of 8-10 hours after photoexcitation, and the luminous intensity can remain above 85%, maintaining a good display state. It is understood that the structures in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 can also be doped with the afterglow emitting structure 34 in the liquid crystal layer 30 to increase display brightness, but the contrast is worse than in this embodiment.

[0080] like Figure 14 As shown, in the dark state, no voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 22 of the reflective liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal molecules 31 and dye molecules 33 in the liquid crystal layer 30 maintain their initial twisted state. Therefore, the dye molecules 33 can absorb light from all directions, thus making the reflective liquid crystal display device appear black. Figure 15 As shown, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, when in the bright state, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13, and a bright state voltage (e.g., 5V) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, forming a strong vertical electric field between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13. Figure 15 In the case of E1), the liquid crystal molecules 31 and dye molecules 33 in the liquid crystal layer 30 are deflected in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. At this time, the dye molecules 33 have a weaker absorption effect on light, and the ambient light can be emitted from the opposing substrate 10 after being reflected by the first reflective layer 21, thereby making the reflective liquid crystal display device appear bright.

[0081] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] [Example 6]

[0083] Figure 16 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figure 17 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state in Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figure 18 This is the second schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state in Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figure 19 This is the second schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figures 16 to 19 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment One (… Figures 1 to 8 Example 2 Figure 9 and Figure 10 Example 3 Figure 11 Example 4 Figure 12 and Figure 13 Example 5 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0084] In this embodiment, as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the liquid crystal molecule 31 is a negative liquid crystal molecule, that is, a liquid crystal molecule with negative dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecule 31 is aligned perpendicularly to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20 to achieve the VA display mode. When the liquid crystal molecule 31 is in a flat position, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule 31 is at 45° with the transmission axis of the linear polarizer 41. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4. The pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 31 can be 80~90° to facilitate deflection towards the flat position and to orient the liquid crystal molecule 31 in the deflection direction.

[0085] In another embodiment, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the liquid crystal molecule 31 is a positive liquid crystal molecule, that is, a liquid crystal molecule with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecule 31 is aligned parallel to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule 31 on the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate 20. The long axis of the liquid crystal molecule 31 is at 45° to the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer 41. The liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4 in the initial state, so that the reflective liquid crystal display device is in a bright state in the initial state.

[0086] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, and Embodiment 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] [Example 7]

[0088] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the dark state in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path principle of the reflective liquid crystal display device in the bright state according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figures 20 to 23 As shown, the reflective liquid crystal display device provided in Embodiment 7 of the present invention is similar to that in Embodiment 1 ( Figures 1 to 8 Example 2 Figure 9 and Figure 10 Example 3 Figure 11 Example 4 Figure 12 and Figure 13 Example 5 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The reflective liquid crystal display devices in the above are basically the same, except that:

[0089] In this embodiment, a common electrode 13 cooperating with the pixel electrode 22 is provided on the array substrate 20, that is, the common electrode 13 is disposed on the array substrate 20. The common electrode 13 and the pixel electrode 22 are located on different layers and are insulated from each other by an insulating layer. The common electrode 13 can be located above or below the pixel electrode 22. Figure 20 The diagram shows the common electrode 13 located below the pixel electrode 22. Preferably, the common electrode 13 is a planar electrode with its entire surface covered, and the pixel electrode 22 is a slit electrode with multiple electrode strips within each pixel unit to form a fringe field switching (FFS) mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13 are located on the same layer, but they are insulated from each other. Both the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13 can include multiple electrode strips, and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13 are arranged alternately to form an in-plane switching (IPS) mode.

[0090] Furthermore, since the common electrode 13 is located below the pixel electrode 22, and the common electrode 13 is a planar electrode with a full surface, while the pixel electrode 22 has a slit electrode with multiple electrode strips, the common electrode 13 can be reused as the first reflective layer 21. That is, the common electrode 13 is made of a reflective material (e.g., aluminum) and reused as the first reflective layer 21. In other words, the common electrode 13 has a reflective effect and acts as the first reflective layer 21, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cell thickness and manufacturing cost of the reflective liquid crystal display device.

[0091] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal molecule 31 is a positive liquid crystal molecule, that is, a liquid crystal molecule with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal molecule 31 is aligned parallel to the opposing substrate 10 and the array substrate 20. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecule 31 on the side closer to the opposing substrate 10 is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate 20, and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule 31 is at 45° to the transmission axis of the linear polarizer 41. The liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4 in the initial state. The reflective liquid crystal display device in this embodiment adopts the fringe field switching (FFS) mode. The opposing substrate 10 may not need to be provided with a quarter-wave plate 42, and the polarization component 40 is composed of linear polarizers 41.

[0092] like Figure 20 As shown, in the dark state, no voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 22 of the reflective liquid crystal display device, and the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 remain in their initial flat state. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 30 has a phase retardation of λ / 4. Figure 21 As shown, ambient light I passes through the linear polarizer 41 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°). The linearly polarized light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 and becomes circularly polarized light (e.g., left-handed). The circularly polarized light is reflected by the first reflective layer 21 (common electrode 13) and then rotates in the opposite direction (becomes right-handed). The reflected light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30 and becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 90°), and is then absorbed by the linear polarizer 41 to achieve a dark state.

[0093] like Figure 22 As shown, in the reflective liquid crystal display device, when in the bright state, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13, and a bright state voltage (e.g., 5V) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, forming a strong horizontal electric field between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13. Figure 22 In E2), the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 are deflected in the horizontal direction, at which point the phase retardation of the liquid crystal layer 30 is reduced. Figure 23 As shown, ambient light I becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°) after passing through the linear polarizer 41. This linearly polarized light also becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°) after passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. The polarization direction of the linearly polarized light remains unchanged after reflection by the first reflective layer 21 (common electrode 13). The reflected light also becomes linearly polarized light (e.g., 0°) after passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, and then exits from the linear polarizer 41 to achieve a bright state. When light passes through the liquid crystal layer 30, the nanoparticles 32 and liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 cooperate to reflect and scatter the light, thereby increasing the reflectivity of the entire reflective liquid crystal display device for ambient light I and achieving a diffuse reflection effect, thus improving the contrast and image quality of the displayed image.

[0094] In the reflective liquid crystal display device, when displaying a normal pattern, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 13 and a gray level voltage (0-255 gray level) is applied to the pixel electrode 22, thereby forming a horizontal electric field of different intensity between the pixel electrode 22 and the common electrode 13, which drives the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 30 to deflect at different amplitudes in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of reflected light and realizing the normal display of the image.

[0095] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, and Embodiment 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In this document, the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined according to the position of the structures in the accompanying drawings and the relative positions of the structures, and are only used for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are only used for distinction in name and are not used to limit the number or order.

[0097] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reflective liquid crystal display device, characterized in that, The system includes an array substrate (20), a counter substrate (10) disposed opposite to the array substrate (20), and a liquid crystal layer (30) located between the counter substrate (10) and the array substrate (20). The counter substrate (10) is provided with a polarizing component (40), the polarizing component (40) including a linear polarizer (41). The array substrate (20) is provided with a first reflective layer (21) and pixel electrodes (22) arranged in an array. The liquid crystal layer (30) comprises liquid crystal molecules (31) and nanoparticles (32) mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles (32) is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules (31). The diameter of the nanoparticles (32) is 5nm to 500nm or more. The nanoparticles (32) cooperate with the liquid crystal molecules (31) and can reflect and scatter light.

2. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opposing substrate (10) is provided with a common electrode (13) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (22). The liquid crystal molecules (31) are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate (10) and the array substrate (20). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (31) on the side closer to the opposing substrate (10) is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate (20). The liquid crystal layer (30) has a phase delay of λ / 4 in the initial state.

3. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opposing substrate (10) is provided with a common electrode (13) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (22). The liquid crystal molecule (31) is aligned perpendicular to the opposing substrate (10) and the array substrate (20). When the liquid crystal molecule (31) is in a flat position, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule (31) is at 45° with the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer (41). At this time, the liquid crystal layer (30) has a phase delay of λ / 4. Alternatively, the liquid crystal molecules (31) are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate (10) and the array substrate (20), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (31) on the side closer to the opposing substrate (10) is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate (20), and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (31) is at 45° to the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer (41), and the liquid crystal layer (30) has a phase delay of λ / 4 in the initial state.

4. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate (20) is provided with a common electrode (13) that cooperates with the pixel electrode (22). The liquid crystal molecules (31) are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate (10) and the array substrate (20). The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (31) on the side closer to the opposing substrate (10) is parallel to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate (20). The long axis of the liquid crystal molecules (31) is at 45° to the light transmission axis of the linear polarizer (41). The liquid crystal layer (30) has a phase delay of λ / 4 in the initial state.

5. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The polarization component (40) includes a quarter-wave plate (42) located between the linear polarizer (41) and the opposing substrate (10), with the transmission axis of the linear polarizer (41) at 45° to the fast and slow axes of the quarter-wave plate (42).

6. A reflective liquid crystal display device, characterized in that, The system includes an array substrate (20), a counter substrate (10) disposed opposite to the array substrate (20), and a liquid crystal layer (30) located between the counter substrate (10) and the array substrate (20). The array substrate (20) is provided with a first reflective layer (21) and pixel electrodes (22) arranged in an array. The counter substrate (10) is provided with a common electrode (13) that cooperates with the pixel electrodes (22). The liquid crystal layer (30) comprises liquid crystal molecules (31), nanoparticles (32), and dye molecules (33) mixed together. The refractive index of the nanoparticles (32) is different from that of the liquid crystal molecules (31). The diameter of the nanoparticles (32) is 5nm to 500nm or higher. The nanoparticles (32) cooperate with the liquid crystal molecules (31) and can reflect and scatter light. The liquid crystal molecules (31) and the dye molecules (33) are aligned parallel to the opposing substrate (10) and the array substrate (20), and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules (31) and the dye molecules (33) on the side closer to the opposing substrate (10) is perpendicular to the alignment direction on the side closer to the array substrate (20).

7. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The liquid crystal layer (30) includes a glow-emitting structure (34) that can emit light after absorbing and storing light energy.

8. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The pixel electrode (22) is made of a reflective material and reused as the first reflective layer (21); The array substrate (20) is provided with a second reflective layer (23), which is located at the edge of the pixel electrode (22) and spaced apart from each other.

9. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The nanoparticles (32) have a spherical or strip-shaped structure; And / or, the nanoparticles (32) are white or transparent.

10. The reflective liquid crystal display device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The opposing substrate (10) is provided with a black matrix (11) and a color resist layer (12) corresponding to a pixel unit (P), wherein the black matrix (11) separates the multiple color resist layers (12) from each other; or, the opposing substrate (10) is provided with a black matrix (11) and a transparent area corresponding to a pixel unit (P), wherein the black matrix (11) separates the multiple transparent areas from each other.

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