Grating structure and display device

Abstract

The application discloses a grating structure and a display device, and relates to the technical field of display. The grating structure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, a plurality of lens units extending along a first direction and arranged on one side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, the lens units are arranged at intervals from the first substrate, liquid crystal material is filled between the lens units and the first substrate, and a plurality of support units are distributed at intervals on one side of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the support units are in a strip shape and used for supporting the lens units, and the extending direction of the support units intersects the first direction, so that the support stability of the support units is enhanced.

Description

grating structure and display device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a grating structure and display device. Background Technology

[0002] The market now has an increasing demand for stereoscopic display devices. Among the many technologies that enable three-dimensional stereoscopic display, naked stereoscopic display is highly favored in the field of three-dimensional stereoscopic display because it does not require viewers to wear glasses.

[0003] Currently, existing naked-eye 3D display devices still need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a grating structure and a display device.

[0005] This application discloses a grating structure, including:

[0006] A first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other;

[0007] Multiple lens units are disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate and arranged sequentially. Each lens unit extends on the second substrate along a first direction, which is parallel to the first substrate. The lens units are spaced apart from the first substrate.

[0008] Liquid crystal material is filled between the lens unit and the first substrate;

[0009] Multiple support units are spaced apart on the side of the first substrate facing the second substrate. The support units are strip-shaped and used to support the lens unit. The extending direction of the support unit intersects the first direction. At least one lens unit is supported by at least two support units.

[0010] The support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in the width direction, and the two sidewalls are directly connected to the side away from the first substrate; or

[0011] The support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in the width direction, and the support unit also includes a top surface connected between the two sidewalls, the top surface being a plane; or

[0012] The support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in the width direction, and the support unit also includes a top surface connected between the two sidewalls, the top surface being a curved surface;

[0013] The two opposing sidewalls are inclined in opposite directions.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the cross-section of the support unit in the direction of extension of the support unit is rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the grating structure is used in a display device, the display device including a display panel disposed opposite to the grating structure; the angle between the first direction and the first reference direction is θ, the angle between the extension direction of the support unit and the first reference direction is α, the width of the lens unit is d, and the extension length x of the support unit is greater than or equal to d / cos(90°). o – α – θ), where the first reference direction is the same as the pixel column direction of the display panel.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the plurality of the support units are arranged in rows and columns.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, the multiple support units extend in the same direction.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the support units located in the same row have the same extension direction, the support units in adjacent rows have different extension directions, the support units in two adjacent odd-numbered rows have the same extension direction, and the support units in two adjacent even-numbered rows have the same extension direction.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, the support units located in the same column have the same extension direction, the support units in two adjacent columns have different extension directions, the support units in two adjacent odd-numbered columns have the same extension direction, and the support units in two adjacent even-numbered columns have the same extension direction.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the support units in adjacent rows are staggered, the support units in two adjacent odd rows are aligned, and the support units in two adjacent even rows are aligned.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, the support units in adjacent columns are staggered, the support units in two adjacent odd columns are aligned, and the support units in two adjacent even columns are aligned.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the lens units is supported by at least three of the support units; for multiple support units supporting the same lens unit, the nth support unit has a different extension direction from the (n+1)th support unit, and the nth support unit has the same extension direction from the (n+2)th support unit; n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the orthographic projection of the support unit on the first substrate lies between the orthographic projection of the central axis of the q-th lens unit on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the central axis of the (q+2)-th lens unit on the first substrate; q is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0024] In some alternative embodiments, the refractive index of the support unit is the same as that of the lens unit.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the height of the support unit is less than the height of the lens unit.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, for two adjacent lens units, one lens unit is supported by the support unit, and the orthographic projection of the central axis of the other lens unit onto the first substrate is offset from the orthographic projection of any support unit onto the first substrate.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the grating structure further includes:

[0028] An alignment layer is disposed between the first substrate and the support unit.

[0029] This application also discloses a display device, comprising: the aforementioned grating structure; and a display panel disposed on one side of the grating structure.

[0030] Compared with related technologies, the grating structure of this application has a strip-shaped support unit that supports the lens unit. This arrangement provides space for the filling of liquid crystal material. Furthermore, since the support unit is strip-shaped and its extension direction intersects with the first direction, the interaction area between the support unit and the first substrate is increased, the interaction force between the two is increased, and the support stability of the support unit is enhanced.

[0031] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the layout of the grating structure in the thickness direction according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the lens unit and support unit of the grating structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 is a planar schematic diagram of the grating structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the support unit in Figure 3 in the direction of view 1.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the support unit in Figure 3 in the direction of view 2.

[0038] Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of the support unit in Figure 3 in the direction of view 1.

[0039] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of the support unit in Figure 3 in the direction of view 1.

[0040] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of the support unit in Figure 3 in the direction of view 1.

[0041] Figures 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing the layout of the center line of the support unit and the central axis of the lens unit.

[0042] Reference numerals: 1. First substrate; 2. Alignment layer; 3. Support unit; 301. Sidewall; 302. Top surface; 4. Liquid crystal material; 5. Lens unit; 6. Second substrate; f. First reference direction; CL1. Central axis; CL2. Center line. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0044] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] This application provides a grating structure that can be used in a display device. The display device may include a display panel. The grating structure may be disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel. The display panel may be an OLED display panel, or of course, an LCD display panel, but is not limited thereto; it may also be an LED display panel or a quantum dot display panel. By adjusting the grating structure, the display panel can switch between a 2D display mode and a 3D display mode. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the above-mentioned grating structure may include:

[0046] The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 6 are arranged opposite to each other;

[0047] Multiple lens units 5 are disposed on the side of the second substrate 6 facing the first substrate 1 and arranged in sequence. Each lens unit 5 extends on the second substrate 6 along a first direction (Figure 3 shows the central axis CL1 of the lens unit 5, and the first direction is the extension direction of the central axis CL1). The first direction is parallel to the first substrate 1. The lens units 5 are spaced apart from the first substrate 1.

[0048] Liquid crystal material 4 is filled between the lens unit 5 and the first substrate 1;

[0049] Multiple support units 3 are spaced apart on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the second substrate 6. The support units 3 are strip-shaped and used to support the lens unit 5. The extending direction of the support unit 3 intersects with the first direction. At least one lens unit 5 is supported by at least two support units 3.

[0050] In the grating structure of this application embodiment, the support unit 3 is strip-shaped and used to support the lens unit 5. This arrangement can provide space for the filling of the liquid crystal material 4. Furthermore, since the support unit 3 is strip-shaped, the extension direction of the support unit 3 intersects with the first direction, which increases the interaction area between the support unit 3 and the first substrate 1, increases the interaction force between the two, and thus enhances the support stability of the support unit 3.

[0051] The grating structure of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below:

[0052] The first substrate 1 can be a flat plate. The material of the first substrate 1 can be a transparent material, such as glass, but this disclosure does not impose any special limitations on it. The second substrate 6 can also be a flat plate. The material of the second substrate 6 can be a transparent material, such as glass, but this disclosure does not impose any special limitations on it. The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 6 are disposed opposite to each other, that is, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 6 can be parallel or substantially parallel. The aforementioned display panel can be disposed on the side of the first substrate 1 facing away from the second substrate 6, or the display panel can be disposed on the side of the second substrate 6 facing away from the first substrate 1.

[0053] The grating structure of this embodiment may further include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode may be disposed on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the second substrate 6. The second electrode may be disposed on the side of the second substrate 6 facing the first substrate 1. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is a positive electrode, and the other is a negative electrode. In addition, an alignment layer 2 (see FIG1) may be disposed on the side of the first electrode facing the second substrate 6. The material of the alignment layer 2 may include polyimide (PI), but this disclosure does not specifically limit it. The aforementioned support unit 3 may be disposed on the side of the alignment layer 2 facing the second substrate 6. Since the force between the support unit 3 and the first substrate 1 is strong, the support unit 3 is not easily displaced when the display device vibrates, which can prevent the alignment layer 2 from being scratched, avoid problems with the liquid crystal alignment at this position, prevent the crosstalk from locally increasing and uneven in 3D display, and at the same time, not increase screen crosstalk.

[0054] Multiple lens units 5 are disposed on the second substrate 6, specifically on the side of the second substrate 6 facing the first substrate 1. Each lens unit 5 extends on the second substrate 6 along a first direction, i.e., the lens unit 5 is strip-shaped, meaning that the orthographic projection of the lens unit 5 onto the second substrate 6 is a strip shape. This first direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the first substrate 1. This first direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the second substrate 6. The aforementioned display panel may include multiple pixel rows and multiple pixel columns. This first direction intersects the pixel row direction and the pixel column direction (which is the same as the first reference direction f in FIG3).

[0055] The width of the lens unit 5 can be 20 μm to 10 cm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The width of the lens unit 5 is the width of its orthographic projection onto the second substrate 6 (the width direction is perpendicular to the first direction). The height of the lens unit 5 can be greater than or equal to 2 μm. Multiple lens units 5 can have the same or approximately the same width. Multiple lens units 5 can have the same or approximately the same height. The material of the lens unit 5 can include organic materials, such as resin.

[0056] The lens unit 5 can be a convex lens structure, wherein the surface of the lens unit 5 facing away from the second substrate 6 is curved. Taking a strip-shaped lens unit 5 as an example of a convex lens structure, the cross-section of the lens unit 5 can include a straight segment and a curved segment connecting the two ends of the straight segment. The cross-section can be perpendicular to the first direction mentioned above. The straight segment is located on the side of the cross-section of the lens unit 5 closer to the second substrate 6, and the curved segment is located on the side of the cross-section of the lens unit 5 away from the second substrate 6.

[0057] Multiple lens units 5 can be distributed sequentially, wherein the distribution direction of the multiple lens units 5 intersects with the first direction. Taking the lens units 5 as a strip shape as an example, the multiple lens units 5 can be arranged in parallel, and the distance between any two adjacent lens units 5 can be equal. For example, the distance between any two adjacent lens units 5 is equal to 0.

[0058] The aforementioned liquid crystal material 4 is filled between the lens unit 5 and the first substrate 1. When the first and second electrodes are de-energized, the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 4 is the same as or approximately the same as the refractive index of the lens unit 5. In this case, the grating structure allows the display device to be in 2D display mode. When the first and second electrodes are energized, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal material 4 rotates, causing the refractive index of the liquid crystal to be less than the refractive index of the lens unit 5. In this case, the grating structure allows the display device to be in 3D display mode. Alternatively, when the first and second electrodes are energized, the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 4 is the same as or approximately the same as the refractive index of the lens unit 5. In this case, the grating structure allows the display device to be in 2D display mode; when the first and second electrodes are de-energized, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal material 4 rotates, causing the refractive index of the liquid crystal to be less than the refractive index of the lens unit 5. In this case, the grating structure allows the display device to be in 3D display mode.

[0059] The support unit 3 is disposed on the first substrate 1, specifically on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the second substrate 6. The material of the support unit 3 may include a light-transmitting material, such as a photocurable material. The refractive index of the support unit 3 may be the same as or approximately the same as the refractive index of the lens unit 5. The support unit 3 is strip-shaped, and its extension direction intersects with the first direction. The extension direction of the support unit 3 is parallel to the first substrate 1. As shown in Figure 5, the cross-section of the support unit 3 in the extension direction (the cross-section direction is parallel to the extension direction, i.e., the schematic diagram in the direction of viewing angle 2 in Figure 3) is rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0060] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6, the support unit 3 includes two opposing sidewalls 301 in the width direction. The two sidewalls 301 are directly connected to the side away from the first substrate 1. That is, the cross-section of the support unit 3 (the cross-section is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support unit 3, i.e., the schematic diagram in the direction of view 1 in FIG3) is triangular.

[0061] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the support unit 3 includes two opposing sidewalls 301 in the width direction, and the support unit 3 also includes a top surface 302 connected between the two sidewalls 301, the top surface 302 being a plane. The two opposing sidewalls 301 are inclined in opposite directions, that is, the cross-section of the support unit 3 (the cross-section is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support unit 3) is trapezoidal; or, as shown in FIG8, the two opposing sidewalls 301 are parallel and both are perpendicular to the first substrate 1, that is, the cross-section of the support unit 3 (the cross-section is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support unit 3) is rectangular or square.

[0062] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the support unit 3 includes two opposing sidewalls 301 in the width direction, and the support unit 3 also includes a top surface 302 connected between the two sidewalls 301, the top surface 302 being curved. The two opposing sidewalls 301 are inclined and in opposite directions; or, the two opposing sidewalls 301 are parallel and both are perpendicular to the first substrate 1.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the pixel column direction of the display panel is used as the first reference direction f. The angle between the first direction (the extension direction of the central axis CL1) and the first reference direction f is θ. The angle between the extension direction of the support unit 3 (i.e., the direction of viewing angle 1, the extension direction of the center line CL2 in Figure 9) and the first reference direction f is α. The width of the lens unit 5 is d (the width of the lens unit 5 is equal to the distance between the central axes CL1 of two adjacent lens units 5). The extension length x of the support unit 3 is greater than or equal to M / 2. M equals 2d / cosβ, and β equals (90°). o – α – θ), therefore, M / 2 equals d / cos(90 o – α – θ).

[0064] The width y of the support unit 3 (the width direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support unit 3) can be 5μm-20μm. The height z of the support unit 3 (see Figure 5) can be greater than or equal to 2μm. The height of the support unit 3 is less than the height of the lens unit 5.

[0065] Figures 9 to 13 show the center line CL2 of the support unit 3. This center line CL2 can be the center line of the orthographic projection of the support unit 3 onto the first substrate 1. This application uses the center line CL2 of the support unit 3 to illustrate the distribution of the support unit 3. As shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, there are multiple support units 3. The materials of different support units 3 can be the same. The shapes of different support units 3 can be the same. The heights of different support units 3 can be the same. The widths of different support units 3 can be the same. The lengths of different support units 3 can be the same. Multiple support units 3 are spaced apart on the first substrate 1, that is, spaced apart on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the second substrate 6. The height of the support unit 3 cannot be too small (if it is too small, it cannot provide space for the flipping of liquid crystal molecules), nor can the height of the support unit 3 be too large, to avoid the support unit 3 occupying the space available for liquid crystal filling and to avoid affecting the uniformity of the liquid crystal.

[0066] Multiple support units 3 can be arranged in rows and columns, meaning that multiple support units 3 include support units 3 in multiple rows and columns. Support units 3 in two adjacent rows are staggered, support units 3 in two adjacent odd-numbered rows are aligned, and support units 3 in two adjacent even-numbered rows are aligned. Support units 3 in two adjacent columns are staggered, support units 3 in two adjacent odd-numbered columns are aligned, and support units 3 in two adjacent even-numbered columns are aligned.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG12, among the plurality of support units 3, there are two support units 3 with different or intersecting extension directions. For example, support units 3 located in the same row have the same extension direction, support units 3 in adjacent rows have different extension directions, support units 3 in two adjacent odd-numbered rows have the same extension direction, and support units 3 in two adjacent even-numbered rows have the same extension direction; support units 3 located in the same column have the same extension direction, support units 3 in two adjacent columns have different extension directions, support units 3 in two adjacent odd-numbered columns have the same extension direction, and support units 3 in two adjacent even-numbered columns have the same extension direction. At least one lens unit 5 is supported by at least three support units 3; for the plurality of support units 3 supporting the same lens unit 5, the nth support unit 3 has a different extension direction from the (n+1)th support unit 3, and the nth support unit 3 has the same extension direction from the (n+2)th support unit 3; n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In another embodiment, the plurality of support units 3 have the same or parallel extension directions.

[0068] The support unit 3 is strip-shaped and used to support the lens unit 5. The orthographic projection of the support unit 3 on the first substrate 1 intersects the central axis CL1 of the supported lens unit 5. Taking a semi-circular cross-section (perpendicular to the extension direction of the lens unit 5) as an example, the central axis CL1 is parallel to the extension direction of the lens unit 5 and passes through the center of all cross-sections. In the width direction of the lens unit 5, the central axis CL1 is located at the center of the lens unit 5. Furthermore, for a support unit 3 and the corresponding supported lens unit 5, the orthographic projection of the support unit 3 on the first substrate 1 lies within the orthographic projection of the lens unit 5 on the first substrate 1. Moreover, the orthographic projection of any support unit 3 on the first substrate 1 lies between the orthographic projection of the central axis CL1 of the q-th lens unit 5 on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the central axis CL1 of the (q+2)-th lens unit 5 on the first substrate 1; q is an integer greater than or equal to 1; that is, one support unit 3 cannot simultaneously support two lens units 5. In other embodiments, one support unit 3 can simultaneously support at least two lens units 5. Furthermore, at least one lens unit 5 is supported by at least two support units 3. Further, for two adjacent lens units 5, one lens unit 5 is supported by a support unit 3, and the orthographic projection of the central axis CL1 of the other lens unit 5 onto the first substrate 1 is offset from the orthographic projection of any support unit 3 onto the first substrate 1; that is, for two adjacent lens units 5, one lens unit 5 is supported by a support unit 3, and the other lens unit is not supported by a support unit 3.

[0069] This disclosure also provides a display device. The display device may include the aforementioned grating structure and display panel. The display device may include, but is not limited to, any product or component with display functionality, such as electronic paper, mobile phones, tablet computers, monitors, laptops, digital photo frames, and navigators. It should be understood that this display device has the same beneficial effects as the grating structure provided in the foregoing embodiments.

[0070] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A grating structure, characterized in that, include: A first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other; Multiple lens units are disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate and arranged in sequence. Each lens unit extends on the second substrate along a first direction, which is parallel to the first substrate. The lens unit is spaced apart from the first substrate; liquid crystal material is filled between the lens unit and the first substrate. Multiple support units are spaced apart on the side of the first substrate facing the second substrate. Each support unit is strip-shaped and supports the lens unit. The extending direction of each support unit intersects the first direction. Each support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in its width direction, with the two sidewalls directly connected to the side away from the first substrate. Alternatively, each support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in its width direction, and also includes a top surface connected between the two sidewalls; the top surface is planar. Alternatively, each support unit includes two opposing sidewalls in its width direction, and also includes a top surface connected between the two sidewalls; the top surface is curved. The opposing sidewalls are inclined in opposite directions. At least one lens unit is supported by at least three support units. For multiple support units supporting the same lens unit, the nth support unit has a different extension direction from the (n+1)th support unit, and the nth support unit has the same extension direction from the (n+2)th support unit; n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

2. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the support unit in the direction of extension of the support unit is rectangular or trapezoidal.

3. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grating structure is used in a display device, which includes a display panel disposed opposite to the grating structure; the angle between the first direction and the first reference direction is θ, the angle between the extension direction of the support unit and the first reference direction is α, the first reference direction is the same as the pixel column direction of the display panel, the width of the lens unit is d, and the extension length x of the support unit is greater than or equal to d / cos(90°). o – α – θ).

4. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple support units are arranged in rows and columns.

5. The grating structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support units in two adjacent rows are staggered, the support units in two adjacent odd-numbered rows are aligned, and the support units in two adjacent even-numbered rows are aligned. The support units of two adjacent columns are staggered, the support units of two adjacent odd columns are aligned, and the support units of two adjacent even columns are aligned.

6. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens unit is a convex lens structure.

7. The grating structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support units located in the same row have the same extension direction, the support units in adjacent rows have different extension directions, the support units in two adjacent odd-numbered rows have the same extension direction, and the support units in two adjacent even-numbered rows have the same extension direction.

8. The grating structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support units located in the same column have the same extension direction, the support units in two adjacent columns have different extension directions, the support units in two adjacent odd-numbered columns have the same extension direction, and the support units in two adjacent even-numbered columns have the same extension direction.

9. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, For two adjacent lens units, one lens unit is supported by the support unit, and the orthographic projection of the central axis of the other lens unit onto the first substrate is offset from the orthographic projection of any support unit onto the first substrate.

10. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the support unit on the first substrate lies between the orthographic projection of the central axis of the q-th lens unit on the first substrate and the orth projection of the central axis of the (q+2)-th lens unit on the first substrate; q is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

11. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refractive index of the support unit is the same as that of the lens unit.

12. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the support unit is less than the height of the lens unit.

13. The grating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grating structure further includes an alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the support unit.

14. A display device, characterized in that, include: The grating structure according to any one of claims 1-13; The display panel is located on one side of the grating structure.

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