Liquid crystal display, lighting arrangement with a liquid crystal display and a backlight device, and method for

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid crystal display (1) which is suitable for a lighting arrangement (2) of a motor vehicle having the liquid crystal display (1) and a backlight device (3), the backlight device (3) of the lighting arrangement (2) being provided for transmitting the liquid crystal display (1) and the lighting arrangement (2) being provided for scattering light emitted by the backlight device (3). The liquid crystal display (1) is provided for scattering light emitted by the backlight device (3). Furthermore, a lighting arrangement (2) related to the liquid crystal display (1), a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (1), an apparatus for data processing, a computer program product and a manufacturing system are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display which is suitable for a lighting arrangement system of a motor vehicle. The lighting arrangement system has the liquid crystal display and a backlight device. The backlight device of the lighting arrangement system is arranged to transmit the liquid crystal display. The lighting arrangement system is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a lighting arrangement system for a motor vehicle, which has a liquid crystal display and a backlight device. The backlight device is arranged to transmit the liquid crystal display. The lighting arrangement system is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display which is suitable for a lighting arrangement system of a motor vehicle. The lighting arrangement system additionally has a backlight device attached to the liquid crystal display to emit light for transmitting the liquid crystal display.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a data processing device which includes a processor configured to implement the method.

[0005] In addition, the present invention relates to a computer program product which includes instructions that cause the processor to implement the method when the program is executed by the processor.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a manufacturing system which includes the data processing device. Background Art

[0007] The signal functions of motor vehicles are usually determined by design in rear lights or headlights. Such signal functions can be provided by a lighting arrangement system, such as taillights, brake lights, direction indicators or daytime running lights. With the introduction of LED technology, this situation has further increased because the usually widely used small LED light sources can be used as light-emitting devices for signal functions much more flexibly than the previous large single bulbs and provide a wide range of feasible configuration options in combination with the selected optical system.

[0008] A variant of LED technology is in the form of OLED technology, where the light source is not formed as small and point-like as an LED, but is formed as a planar and larger one to form the desired light-emitting surface, which emits light very uniformly. Compared with LED technology, the disadvantage of OLED technology is that due to the very complex manufacturing process, due to the different shapes desired by the design respectively (i.e., there is no mass production with always the same size and shape like an LED), and the small number of pieces, the cost of OLED is much higher. In addition, in the automotive field, there are also special high requirements, such as requirements regarding the temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C or +100 °C), ultraviolet load, and force effects (vibration, shock, jolt), which are more critical for OLED than for standard LEDs. The further development of OLED technology lies in dividing the OLED surface into separate, smaller, individually switchable sub-surfaces, and thus to a certain extent creating an OLED display. The disadvantage of OLED technology for automotive applications lies in the limitation to the red color.

[0009] This makes it necessary to search for alternative feasible solutions in order to be able to achieve a configuration similar to that achieved with OLED elements as a planar light-emitting surface or as a segmented, display-like light-emitting surface.

[0010] On the one hand, this is achieved by using LEDs together with planar light conductor elements and upstream optical devices in the lighting arrangement system, and the upstream optical devices are used to scatter and focus the light emitted from the light conductor. An additional housing can be provided behind the light conductor so that the light is reflected forward again. Overall, a FlatLight module can be provided in this way, which provides high performance in the case of uniform illumination of the entire surface and arbitrary shaping. Just like OLED elements, when integrated into a lighting device (such as a rear light), multiple FlatLight modules can be positioned side by side or one after another with an offset to produce the desired personalized appearance of a signal function (such as a tail light or a tail brake light). By using different LED colors, such as yellow or white, the direction indicator and position light or daytime running light can also be realized.

[0011] In order to provide a segmented light-emitting surface, an LCD display or a Smartglass-Display with liquid crystals doped with dyes (such as black coloring) is provided in front of the FlatLight element, and its segments can be individually switched to be transparent in order to achieve different light signatures and animations.

[0012] As a second concept, starting from the defined segmentation of the smart glass display, a segmented backlight can be designed, called FlatLightCMX (CMX = Communication MatriX). A feasible solution is to use a reflector with an LED matrix, where the LED matrix corresponds to the segmentation of the display.

[0013] Diffuser elements are provided in both of these two systems. They are diffuser surfaces with very small diffuser structures to ensure uniform illumination as the complete backlight of the display (the first FlatLight solution) or as the uniform illumination of each segment (the second FlatLightCMX solution).

[0014] The diffuser element is usually either a thin injection-molded sheet or a film with a unilateral diffuser structure. In the first FlatLight solution, it is the front cover sheet of the FlatLight system, and in the second FlatLightCMX solution, it is the diffuser film between the reflector or the optical system and the LC display (i.e., the liquid crystal display). Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display, an illumination arrangement system, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, a data processing device, a computer program product, and a manufacturing system of the type described at the beginning, which are improved compared to the prior art.

[0016] The above object is achieved by a liquid crystal display having the features of independent patent claim 1, by an illumination arrangement system having the features of independent patent claim 10, by a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display according to claim 11, by a data processing device having the features of independent patent claim 13, by a computer program product having the features of independent patent claim 14, and by a manufacturing system having the features of independent patent claim 15.

[0017] Further features and details of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in connection with the liquid crystal display according to the present invention naturally also apply to the illumination arrangement system according to the present invention, the method according to the present invention, the data processing device according to the present invention, the computer program product according to the present invention, and the manufacturing system according to the present invention, and vice versa respectively. Therefore, the disclosures regarding the individual inventive aspects always refer to each other or can refer to each other.

[0018] According to the present invention, the liquid crystal display is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device.

[0019] The present invention is based on the following recognition: Lighting arrangement systems in motor vehicles, such as headlights, direction indicators, brake lights, etc., are often exposed to significant vibrations and temperature differences. Therefore, it is desirable to implement these lighting arrangement systems as stable as possible. If the liquid crystal display itself is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device, a separate diffuser element, such as a transparent film or cover, and, if necessary, a holder for the diffuser element, can be omitted between the backlight device and the liquid crystal display. By removing the separate diffuser element, the cost during manufacturing can be reduced and the lighting arrangement system can be made more compact and stable. In addition to its original function, the liquid crystal display itself can, in this way, assume an additional function, namely, as a carrier of the diffuser element. Thus, the necessary functions of the lighting arrangement system can be achieved with fewer components.

[0020] The liquid crystal display can have a back cover. The liquid crystal display can have a front cover. In the lighting arrangement system, the back cover is arranged closer to the backlight arrangement assembly than the front cover. The liquid crystal substance can be arranged between the back cover and the front cover. The term "cover (Scheibe)" should be understood here as meaning that the cover is a wall that is permeable to light, i.e., transparent, and the cover is made, in particular, of glass or plastic.

[0021] A segment dividing element can be arranged between the back cover and the front cover. The segment dividing element can have a rectangular shape. The segment dividing element can have individual segments that can be selectively switched between a transparent state and an opaque state. The segment dividing element can be configured as a grid-shaped mask (Maske). The individual segments can be arranged in rows and columns in the grid-shaped mask. The segment dividing element can be designed to selectively optically cover or expose individual segments of the liquid crystal substance. The segment dividing element is preferably designed to be electronically switchable in order to selectively switch the individual segments of the segment dividing element between a transparent and an opaque state. The segments of the segment dividing element in the opaque state are preferably colored black. The segments of the segment dividing element in the transparent state are preferably not colored.

[0022] A control cable for operating the liquid crystal display can be provided on the liquid crystal display. The control cable can also be used to control the segment dividing element, if present.

[0023] The present invention can be used in a similar manner for digital FlatLight systems as well as FlatLight CMX systems. Although there are construction differences between these systems, as a commonality, both have a liquid crystal display, which can be implemented as proposed herein. Accordingly, the present invention can also be applied to other existing or future lighting arrangement systems that are based on a backlight device for a transmissive liquid crystal display and can thus advantageously include the proposed liquid crystal display. In some embodiments, the backlight device is an LED light source having a plurality of LEDs. Thereby, the backlight device can be constructed in a current-saving, robust, and compact manner.

[0024] The liquid crystal display (as smart glass) preferably consists of several components. The two covers made of glass or plastic film are in some embodiments coated with ITO and masked by segmenting elements in order to achieve the desired segmentation and electrical contact with the control cables, which can be flexible conductor tracks, and the two covers are implemented with a certain cell gap, which is the distance between the two covers relative to each other, and the cell gap is filled with a dye-doped liquid crystal substance.

[0025] Some embodiments provide that the liquid crystal display bears a diffuser element, in particular bears the diffuser element on its surface. The surface can be provided on the back cover. The surface can additionally or alternatively be provided on the front cover. Thus, a separate holder for the diffuser element can be dispensed with. Some embodiments provide that the liquid crystal display is inseparably connected to the diffuser element. This prevents the diffuser element from slipping or falling off due to vibrations or temperature fluctuations. Some embodiments even provide that the diffuser element is integrated into the liquid crystal display, for example integrated into the back cover or the front cover of the liquid crystal display. This provides a particularly stable and compact solution. The various embodiments of the above-mentioned type are described in more detail below.

[0026] Some embodiments provide that the liquid crystal display has a plurality of surfaces, and at least one of the plurality of surfaces is provided for scattering light emitted by the backlight device. The surface provided for scattering the light emitted by the backlight device may be the back surface, which faces the backlight device in the lighting arrangement system. The back cover may have the back surface. The surface provided for scattering the light emitted by the backlight device may alternatively or additionally be the front surface, which faces away from the backlight device in the lighting arrangement system. The front cover may have the front surface. In the installed state, the back surface is advantageously well protected against environmental influences. And the front surface is advantageously well accessible in the installed state, so that even if the liquid crystal display is installed in a motor vehicle, the front surface can be trimmed or updated more easily accordingly. The front surface of the back cover and the back surface of the front cover generally come into contact with the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal display. These two additional surfaces of the liquid crystal display may also alternatively or additionally (both or only one of them) be designed for scattering the light emitted by the backlight device.

[0027] Furthermore, it may be provided that one of the plurality of surfaces is the back surface of the liquid crystal display, which faces the backlight device in the lighting arrangement system and has a light-transmissive structure for scattering the light before it has passed through the liquid crystal display. The light has passed through the liquid crystal display. By providing it on the back surface, the structure can be particularly well protected against environmental influences. Thus, a particularly durable scattering structure can be provided. Preferably, the back cover has the back surface. The expression "before the light has passed through the liquid crystal display" may in particular mean "when the light enters the liquid crystal display".

[0028] In some embodiments, one of the plurality of surfaces is the front surface of the liquid crystal display, which faces away from the backlight device in the lighting arrangement system and has a light-transmissive structure for scattering the light after it has passed through the liquid crystal display. By providing it on the front surface, the structure can be particularly well accessible. Thus, a scattering structure that can be particularly easily updated or maintained can be provided. Preferably, the front cover has the front surface. The expression "after the light has passed through the liquid crystal display" may in particular mean "when the light exits the liquid crystal display".

[0029] In some embodiments, the light-transmissive structure is provided by a light-transmissive, structured diffuser film. The diffuser film may be provided on the back surface, the front surface, or both. The diffuser film may be adhered to the surface. The diffuser film may be a cost-effective and easily modifiable solution for the diffuser element.

[0030] Some embodiments provide that the light-transmissive structured part is provided by a light-transmissive, structured paint layer. Thus, a very durable diffuser element can be provided, since the paint layer can be connected to the liquid crystal display in a non-detachable manner, for example, non-detachably due to vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The paint of the paint layer is transparent so as not to impede the light transmission of the backlight device through the liquid crystal display. The paint layer can be structured in an embossing process, for example, by applying the paint layer and then introducing a scattering structure or a diffuser structure into the paint layer. "Non-detachable" should be understood here as meaning that under normal operating conditions, even in the event of vibrations or temperature fluctuations (as can be expected in a motor vehicle), the detachment of the paint layer need not be taken into account.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the liquid crystal element, it can be provided in the liquid crystal element that a light-transmissive structured part is directly provided on the surface of the liquid crystal element, that is, on the front side or the back side of the liquid crystal element, for example, a structure or an optical device for light scattering is provided. During the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal element, a corresponding light-transmissive structure can be integrated on the mold side so as to directly reflect the light-transmissive structured part onto the manufactured liquid crystal element, in particular, onto the surface of the liquid crystal element. The corresponding diffuser structure or diffuser optical device can be introduced into the mold, for example, by a micro-milling process or a laser process.

[0032] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal display has a light-transmissive cover that contains particles to scatter the light when the light emitted by the backlight device passes through the liquid crystal display. Thus, the diffuser element can be integrated into the liquid crystal display. Thereby, the cover can, in particular, act as a volume scatterer. Then, additional steps, such as applying a film or a paint layer to be structured, can be omitted, which can simplify or accelerate the manufacture of the liquid crystal display. The cover can be a back cover. Additionally or alternatively, another cover can be a front cover.

[0033] Other embodiments provide that the diffusing scattering structuring is provided in a light-transmissive cover. The cover can be a glass cover or a plastic cover, such as a plastic film. The cover can be introduced through the structuring in a mold for casting or pressing the cover, in particular a laser-engraved structuring. It can be seen on the manufactured liquid crystal display that the mold must already have included such a structuring during manufacture, provided that such a structuring is directly introduced into the cover. If the cover is a plastic film, it can have a structuring on one side, and the structuring can be produced in an imprinting process during a roll-to-roll process. If the plastic cover is injection-molded, the structuring can again be produced by molding a laser-engraved structure provided on the injection-molding mold. The scattering structure can alternatively be etched or laser-engraved into the cover, in particular if the cover is a glass cover. The application of the etched structure or the laser structure, in particular on the front-side surface of the liquid crystal display, i.e., the light-emitting surface, can achieve a matte surface and the desired scattering effect (for example, even in the case of simple direct backlighting of the individual segments of the liquid crystal display by the LED light source of the backlight device). Alternatively, one or more of the surfaces of the liquid crystal display can also be satinized to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device. In particular, at least one of the surfaces of the liquid crystal display that is in contact with the liquid crystal material can be satinized.

[0034] Thus, there are also various feasible solutions, either by introducing particles into one or both covers or by directly treating one or both covers, in order to directly (i.e., without applying an additional film or paint layer) configure one or both of the covers to scatter the light emitted by the backlight arrangement assembly.

[0035] Some embodiments provide that the liquid crystal display has a Fresnel optical device in order to collect and direct the light emitted by the backlight device. For example, the micro-optical or diffractive structuring of the liquid crystal display can be implemented as a Fresnel lens (which is a feasible embodiment of a Fresnel optical device) in order to collect and direct the light of the backlight device. Thus, the liquid crystal display can additionally serve as a carrier for the Fresnel optical device, which enables a more compact and stable construction, since an additional carrier for the Fresnel optical device can be dispensed with. The Fresnel optical device can be arranged between the front-side cover and the back-side cover. In particular, the Fresnel optical device can be arranged on the back-side surface of the back-side cover. This can protect the potentially sensitive Fresnel optical device from environmental influences.

[0036] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal display has an effect device for generating at least one of a color effect and a flash effect for light transmitted through the liquid crystal display. For example, the transmissive cover can be colored and / or contain flash particles. Alternatively or additionally, a colored film or a film having flash particles can be disposed on the backside surface and / or the front side surface. The diffuser film can in particular be colored and / or have flash particles. Alternatively or additionally, the paint can be colored and / or have flash particles. The advantage of the colored film, the colored cover or the colored paint is that the light source of the backlight device, for example in particular a light emitting diode (LED), can emit white light instead of light of a specific color. Thus, white LEDs can be used for all types of lighting arrangement systems, and their light can be colored by the colored film, the colored cover or the colored paint. Thus, it is also sufficient to prepare only one type of LED for a plurality of different lighting arrangement systems, which is advantageous for warehousing.

[0037] Some embodiments provide that the liquid crystal display has an anti-reflection coating, in particular an anti-reflection coating on the front side surface, which front side surface faces the environment in the lighting arrangement system. Thus, the liquid crystal display can also provide the function of an anti-reflection surface, which anti-reflection surface does not therefore have to be provided on an additional element. The anti-reflection coating can in particular be provided on the front cover and specifically there on the front side surface.

[0038] Furthermore, as described below, the task of providing a lighting arrangement system for a motor vehicle, which lighting arrangement system has a liquid crystal display and a backlight device and is improved compared to the prior art, is solved by a lighting arrangement system according to claim 10. The lighting arrangement system is provided for a motor vehicle and has a liquid crystal display and a backlight device. The backlight device of the lighting arrangement system is provided for transmitting through the liquid crystal display. The lighting arrangement system is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device. That is, the liquid crystal display is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device. Thereby, the lighting arrangement system is arranged to achieve the advantages of the liquid crystal display described above. Reference is made here to and reference is made to the embodiments of the liquid crystal display and their advantages discussed above. Therefore, they are not repeated here.

[0039] Furthermore, as described below, the task of providing a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, which liquid crystal display is suitable for a lighting arrangement system for a motor vehicle and which method is improved compared to the prior art, is solved by a method according to claim 11.

[0040] The method is for producing a liquid crystal display suitable for a lighting arrangement system for a motor vehicle. In addition to the liquid crystal display, the lighting arrangement system also has a backlight device for emitting light for transmitting through the liquid crystal display. Thus, the liquid crystal display is at least partially and / or temporarily transparent to light during operation.

[0041] The method includes setting a liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by a backlight device. Thus, the liquid crystal display discussed above can be obtained, which has the advantages discussed in its embodiments. Referring again to and referring to the above discussion, it will not be repeated here.

[0042] Generally, the method may include one or both of the following processes to set the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device:

[0043] - Providing a light-transmissive structured part on the surface of the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device; and / or

[0044] - Providing a light-transmissive cover for the liquid crystal display, the light-transmissive cover containing particles to scatter light emitted by the backlight device.

[0045] Setting the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device can be implemented on the back cover of the liquid crystal display. Additionally or alternatively, setting the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device can be implemented on the front cover of the liquid crystal display.

[0046] Setting the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device can be implemented on the back surface of the back cover such that the back surface is one of the surfaces for scattering light emitted by the backlight device. Setting the liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by the backlight device can be additionally or alternatively implemented on the front surface of the front cover such that the front surface is one of the surfaces for scattering light emitted by the backlight device.

[0047] Specifically, one or more of the following processes can be used alone or in combination in the method.

[0048] One embodiment of the method provides for modifying the back cover of the liquid crystal display, in particular:

[0049] • Providing the back cover of the liquid crystal display as a volume scatterer, that is, integrating light-scattering particles into a glass cover or a cover-like film or an injection-molded cover of the back cover; and / or

[0050] • Coloring the back cover, in particular a glass cover or a cover-like film or a thin injection-molded cover of the back cover.

[0051] One embodiment of the method provides for modifying the back surface of the back cover, in particular:

[0052] • Applying a diffused etching structure or a laser structure to the back surface; and / or

[0053] • Apply a paint layer to the back surface and introduce a scattering structure / diffuser structure into the paint layer, in particular by means of an embossing process; and / or

[0054] • Create a diffused scattering structure on the back surface of the cover, for example by introducing a laser-engraved structure into the mold for casting or pressing the cover; and / or

[0055] • Provide a cover-shaped plastic film as the back cover and generate a unilateral structuring on the back surface in a roll-to-roll process by means of an embossing process or through a thin injection-molded plastic cover having a molded part of the laser-engraved structure of the injection mold on the back surface; and / or

[0056] • Provide the applied structure as a full-surface or sectioned part adapted to the liquid crystal display with corresponding sub-regions; and / or

[0057] • For a simple structure with direct backlighting, apply micro-optical and / or diffractive structuring or optical devices in the respective section planes; for example, the micro-optical or diffractive structuring of the back surface can be implemented as a Fresnel lens in order to collect and direct the light of the LED light source; and / or

[0058] • Apply an anti-reflection coating, which may be additional to other structures such as diffractive structures or Fresnel optics.

[0059] One embodiment of the method provides for modifying the front cover of the liquid crystal display, in particular:[[]]

[0060] • Color the front cover (e.g., a glass cover) or the film / injection-molded cover of the front cover, in particular red for the taillight function, yellow for the direction indicator, or a gray tone or other possible and desired color; and / or

[0061] • Introduce visible effect devices or particles into the front cover, in particular a glass cover, for example for a flashing effect; and / or

[0062] • Apply a printed film to the front surface of the front cover, for example having a sectional division grid in another color or having a desired decoration or pattern or effect in the respective sections, for a special effect or personalized appearance in the unlit and lit states; and / or

[0063] • Apply an etched structure or a laser structure to the front surface of the front cover, i.e., the light exit surface, to achieve a matte surface and the desired scattering effect (e.g., even in the case of simple direct backlighting of the respective sections with an LED light source); and / or

[0064] • Apply an anti-reflection coating, which may be attached to other structures, such as diffractive structures or Fresnel optics.

[0065] The modifications to the front cover and the back cover and their surfaces can be arbitrarily combined with each other in the various embodiments, as long as they do not contradict each other. This particularly means that one or both covers can be modified in more than one way at the same time. For example, it can be provided that they are not only colored but also surface-structured and have particles inside.

[0066] Furthermore, the task of providing an improved device for data processing compared to the prior art is solved by the device according to claim 13, as described below.

[0067] According to the invention, the device for data processing includes a processor configured to implement the above-described method. Thus, the device is provided to take advantage of the method. The device for data processing can be embodied as a microcontroller, such as in particular the control unit of a manufacturing system for manufacturing liquid crystal displays or a separate manufacturing machine. The device for data processing can be arranged to operate the manufacturing system or the manufacturing machine. The device for data processing can also be integrated in the control unit. In particular, the device can be arranged to set a liquid crystal display to scatter light emitted by a backlight device. The device for data processing can have a memory. A program can be stored on the memory, the program having instructions for the device for data processing, so that the device for data processing can implement the method. The device for data processing is preferably arranged to implement the above-described method steps and their further refinements in an arbitrarily combinable manner, as long as the individual method steps and further refinements do not contradict each other.

[0068] Furthermore, the task of providing an improved computer program product compared to the prior art is solved by the computer program product according to claim 14, the computer program product including instructions that, when the program is executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the above-described method, as described below.

[0069] The computer program product can be an electronic or optical data storage device, such as a memory chip, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory. The manufacturing system can have the computer program product. The instructions stored on the computer program product can cause the processor to operate the manufacturing system or a separate manufacturing machine in the manufacturing system such that the advantages set forth in connection with the method are achieved. The computer program product can be part of the device for data processing. The computer program product can in particular be part of a microcontroller. The computer program product can contain firmware for the microcontroller. The computer program product can alternatively contain software for the microcontroller.

[0070] Furthermore, the object of the present invention to provide an improved manufacturing system of the type mentioned at the beginning with respect to the prior art is achieved by the manufacturing system according to claim 15, as described below.

[0071] According to the present invention, the manufacturing system has the above-described means for data processing. Thereby, the manufacturing system is configured to implement the above method and thereby manufacture a liquid crystal display according to the present invention.

[0072] A preferred manufacturing system includes at least one manufacturing machine. However, if multiple different processing steps are required, the manufacturing system may include two or more corresponding manufacturing machines, which are configured to sequentially or simultaneously implement the method steps required for manufacturing a liquid crystal display. Thus, the manufacturing system may include, for example, an etching machine and / or an imprinting machine. Other possible necessary manufacturing machines of the manufacturing system are directly derivable for a person skilled in the art based on the method steps to be performed, discussed above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0074] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention as seen from a first perspective;

[0075] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention as seen from a second perspective;

[0076] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an illumination arrangement system according to the present invention as seen from a first perspective;

[0077] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an illumination arrangement system according to the present invention as seen from a second perspective; and

[0078] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the liquid crystal display 1 according to the present invention as seen from a first perspective. Figure 2 Shows, as seen from a second perspective, Figure 1 of the liquid crystal display 1 according to the present invention. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the liquid crystal display 1 is shown in an exploded view, respectively, so as to be able to better identify and describe its individual elements. The liquid crystal display 1 is suitable for an illumination arrangement system 2 of a motor vehicle (not shown), which has the liquid crystal display 1 and a backlight device 3. The illumination arrangement system 2 is inFigure 3 and Figure 4 is shown in

[0080] The liquid crystal display 1 has a rear cover 4, a front cover 5, and a segment dividing element 6 disposed between the rear cover 4 and the front cover 5. The two covers 4, 5 are light transmissive. The two covers 4, 5 are, for example, glass covers, but in an embodiment not shown, one or both of them are made of plastic film. The segment dividing element 6 is designed to switch segmentally between a transparent and an opaque state in order to temporarily switch the individual segments of the liquid crystal display 1 to be transparent or opaque to light.

[0081] In the assembled state of the liquid crystal display 1, a liquid crystal substance (not shown) is disposed between the rear cover 4 and the front cover 5, and the liquid crystal substance here exemplarily has a dye-doped liquid crystal. A control cable 7 implemented as a flexible conductor line is provided on the front cover 5 for driving the liquid crystal display 1 and its segment dividing element 6.

[0082] As discussed in detail below, the liquid crystal display 1 is designed to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3. Therefore, the liquid crystal display 1 provides a scattering function. Thus, a previously required separate scattering element can be omitted in the lighting arrangement system 2.

[0083] The liquid crystal display 1 has a plurality of surfaces 8a-d, and at least one of the plurality of surfaces 8a-d is designed to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3. In Figure 1 , as the surfaces 8a-d, the front surface 8a of the rear cover 4 and the front surface 8b of the front cover 5 are shown. In Figure 2 , as the surfaces 8a-d, the rear surface 8c of the rear cover 4 and the rear surface 8d of the front cover 5 are shown.

[0084] One of the plurality of surfaces 8a-d, namely the front surface 8b of the front cover 5 (which faces away from the backlight device 3 in the lighting arrangement system 2), has a light transmissive structure in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3 after the light has passed through the liquid crystal display 1. Thus, this structure is downstream of the liquid crystal substance in the light beam path. Here, for example, the light transmissive structure of the front surface 8b of the front cover 5 is provided by a light transmissive, structured diffuser film 9. The diffuser film 9 also serves as an effect device in order to generate a color effect and a flash effect for the light transmitted through the liquid crystal display 1. Therefore, the diffuser film 9 is exemplarily colored yellow and has flash particles. Thus, the liquid crystal display 1 can be applied in a travel direction indicator of a motor vehicle, which is a particular embodiment of the lighting arrangement system 2.

[0085] Another one of the plurality of surfaces 8a-d, namely the dorsal surface 8c of the dorsal cover 4 (which faces the backlight device 3 in the lighting arrangement system 2), has additional light-transmissive structuring in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3 before the light has passed through the liquid crystal display 1. Thus, the additional structuring is upstream of the liquid crystal material in the light beam path. Here, for example, the additional light-transmissive structuring of the dorsal surface 8c of the dorsal cover 4 is provided by a light-transmissive, structured paint layer 10. The structuring of the paint layer 10 has been produced by means of an embossing process by which the structuring has been introduced into the paint layer 10. The additional structuring of the dorsal cover 4 is furthermore embodied as a Fresnel lens in order to collect and direct the light emitted by the backlight device 3. The dorsal cover 4 furthermore contains particles in order to scatter the light when the light emitted by the backlight device 3 passes through the liquid crystal display 1.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, therefore, triple scattering occurs: twice on the dorsal cover 4 and once on the front cover 5, wherein the light is collected and directed on the dorsal cover 4 before the light passes through the liquid crystal material, and a color and flash effect for the light is also produced on the front cover 5.

[0087] In Figure 3 FIG. shows a lighting arrangement system 2 according to an embodiment of the invention from a first perspective. In Figure 4 FIG. shows the lighting arrangement system 2 from a second perspective, Figure 3 The lighting arrangement system 2 has a backlight device 3. The backlight device 3 includes a circuit board 11 which carries control electronics 12 and a plurality of light-emitting diodes 13. A sectioning middleware 14 of the lighting arrangement system 2 restricts the light emitted from the respective light-emitting diodes 13 to the corresponding sections of the sectioning elements 6 of the liquid crystal display 1 such that each light-emitting diode 13 only illuminates exactly one corresponding section of the sectioning element 6, so that the respective sections of the liquid crystal display 1 can be precisely switched into a transparent or opaque state by means of the sectioning elements 6, and adjacent light-emitting diodes 13 do not undesirably illuminate the section to be switched. The dorsal cover 4 of the liquid crystal display 1 is closer to the backlight device 3 than the front cover 5. The lighting arrangement system 2 includes a liquid crystal display 1 according to the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid crystal display 1. Thus, the lighting arrangement system 2 is, for example, a combination structure of a direction indicator.

[0088] Figure 5 FIG. shows an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display 1 according to the invention. It is used here, for example, for manufacturing the liquid crystal display 1 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid crystal display contains in Figure 3 andFigure 4 in the lighting arrangement system 2. The method includes step S51: setting the liquid crystal display 1 to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3. Here, the step includes, for example, providing a light-transmissive structured portion on the surfaces 8a-d of the liquid crystal display 1 to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device 3. This is achieved here by a manufacturing system (not shown) that includes means for data processing according to the present invention and includes a computer program product according to the present invention. The manufacturing system bonds the diffuser film 9 to the front surface 8b of the front cover 5. The manufacturing system also applies a paint layer 10 to the back surface 8c of the back cover 4 and structures the paint layer by means of an embossing process. Exemplarily, the back cover 4 and the front cover 5 are manufactured on different manufacturing machines of the manufacturing system because their manufacturing requires different technical processes respectively.

[0089] In addition, the setting of the liquid crystal display 1 here includes providing a light-transmissive cover 4 of the liquid crystal display 1 that contains particles for scattering the light emitted by the backlight device 3. For example, the manufacturing system introduces the particles into the back cover 4 during manufacturing.

[0090] In view of the present disclosure, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that alternatively or additionally, other or at least additional manufacturing steps for setting the liquid crystal display 1 (the liquid crystal display 1 being for scattering the light emitted by the backlight device 3) are feasible. These have been discussed in detail above in the general part of the description.

[0091] Thus, in other words, by retrofitting an LCD or a smart glass display (which is a special form of the liquid crystal display 1), it is possible to dispense with the components of the FlatLight system and simplify the entire system and make the entire system easier to coordinate with each other, and to generate or utilize other advantages, such as advantages in terms of cost and appearance. The surfaces 8a-d of the liquid crystal display 1, such as the back surface 8c of the back cover 4, or the back surface 8c of the back film or injection-molded cover of the liquid crystal display 1 - if it is constructed as a film display or a plastic display - can be structured in different ways to eliminate the diffuser element from the entire lighting arrangement system 2. The back surface 8c of the liquid crystal display 1 can, for example, obtain a structured portion that is either, for example, applied to the cover 4 post-facto by etching or laser treatment or by an embossing process (such as the paint layer 10 and the introduction of the structure into the paint layer 10), or the structured portion has been defined and applied to the back surface 8c during the previous manufacturing process of the covers 4, 5. This also applies to the front cover 5 and especially its front surface 8b.

[0092] Furthermore, a feasible solution for modifying the covers 4 and 5 of the liquid crystal display 1 itself is opened up, for example, by integrated particles (such as for decoration or for diffusivity), by defined coloring, or by an additional coating, such as an anti-reflection coating, which can in particular be provided on the front surface 8b of the front cover 5.

[0093] List of reference signs

[0094] 1 Liquid crystal display

[0095] 2 Lighting arrangement system

[0096] 3 Backlight device

[0097] 4 Rear cover

[0098] 5 Front cover

[0099] 6 Segmenting element

[0100] 7 Control cable

[0101] 8a-d Surfaces

[0102] 9 Diffuser film

[0103] 10 Paint layer

[0104] 11 Circuit board

[0105] 12 Control electronics

[0106] 13 Light-emitting diode

[0107] 14 Segmenting middleware

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display (1) suitable for a lighting arrangement system (2) of a motor vehicle, the lighting arrangement system comprising the liquid crystal display (1) and a backlight device (3), in, The backlight device (3) of the lighting arrangement system (2) is arranged for use with a transmissive liquid crystal display (1), wherein the lighting arrangement system (2) is configured to diffuse light emitted by the backlight device (3), It is characterized in that The liquid crystal display (1) is configured to scatter light emitted by a backlight device (3).

2. The liquid crystal display (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid crystal display (1) has a plurality of surfaces (8a-d), and at least one of the plurality of surfaces (8a-d) is arranged to scatter light emitted by a backlight device (3).

3. The liquid crystal display (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the plurality of surfaces (8a-d) is a backside surface (8c) of the liquid crystal display (1), the backside surface facing the backlight device (3) in the lighting arrangement system (2) and having a light-permeable structured portion in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device (3) before it has passed through the liquid crystal display (1).

4. The liquid crystal display (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: One of the plurality of surfaces (8a-d) is a front surface (8b) of the liquid crystal display (1), the front surface facing away from the backlight device (3) in the lighting arrangement system (2) and having a light-permeable structured portion in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device (3) after it has passed through the liquid crystal display (1).

5. The liquid crystal display (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The light-permeable structuring is provided by a light-permeable structured diffuser film (9).

6. The liquid crystal display (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The light-permeable structuring is provided by a light-permeable structured lacquer layer (10).

7. The liquid crystal display (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The light-transmissive structured portion is provided by a surface structured portion of the surface of the liquid crystal display (1).

8. The liquid crystal display (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid crystal display (1) has a light-transmissive cover (4, 5) containing particles for scattering light emitted by a backlight device (3) while the light passes through the liquid crystal display (1).

9. The liquid crystal display (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid crystal display (1) has a Fresnel optical device in order to collect and direct the light emitted by the backlight device (3).

10. The liquid crystal display (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid crystal display (1) has an effect device for generating at least one of a color effect and a glitter effect for light that transmits the liquid crystal display (1).

11. A lighting arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a liquid crystal display (1) and a backlight device (3), wherein: The backlight device (3) is configured to be used for a transmissive liquid crystal display (1), and is characterized in that: The liquid crystal display (1) is a liquid crystal display (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The lighting arrangement system (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that The lighting arrangement system (2) is configured to diffuse light emitted by a backlight device (3).

13. A method for producing a liquid crystal display (1), the liquid crystal display being suitable for a lighting arrangement (2) of a motor vehicle, the lighting arrangement (2) having in addition to the liquid crystal display (1) a backlight device (3) for emitting light for transmitting the liquid crystal display (1), wherein: The method comprises: - The liquid crystal display (1) is arranged to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device (3).

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising: - providing a light-transmissive structured portion on the surface of the liquid crystal display (1) in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight device (3); and / or - providing a light-permeable cover (4, 5) of the liquid crystal display (1), said light-permeable cover containing particles in order to scatter the light emitted by the backlight (3).

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