Liquid crystal light control film, display screen and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a liquid crystal light control film which is used for being attached to a light emitting surface of a display panel and comprises a conducting layer and a light control layer which are attached to each other, the light control layer comprises liquid crystal and a light control structure, the light control structure is arranged in the liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal is used for adjusting the brightness of the display panel under the control of the conducting layer. The light control structure is used for reducing the visual angle of the display panel. The utility model further provides a display screen which is formed by attaching the liquid crystal light control film and a display panel. The electronic equipment comprises the display screen. According to the liquid crystal light control film, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal can be controlled through the conducting layer, and then the brightness of a display screen and electronic equipment is controlled; and the visual angle of the display screen and the electronic equipment can be reduced through the light control structure. The problem that a display screen on an automobile projects on an automobile window due to an overlarge visual angle to generate inverted images to interfere with the sight of a driver can be effectively solved, the brightness of the display screen can be controlled, the structure is simpler, and the production cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid crystal display, in particular to a liquid crystal light control film, a display screen and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] When the display screen (such as a center control screen, etc.) on a vehicle is not placed completely vertically, part of the light of the display screen will be projected onto the front windshield, and further reflected into the driver's line of sight, causing the driver to see the reflection of the display screen when observing the front windshield. Especially in cloudy days or at night, the reflection is more obvious. The reflection of the display screen on the front windshield will seriously affect the driver's line of sight and pose a threat to safety.

[0003] In the existing market, a method of adding an occlusion structure above the display screen is adopted to reduce the viewing angle of the display screen and avoid the generation of reflection. Although this avoids the generation of reflection, the added occlusion structure will affect the aesthetics of the whole vehicle interior and increase the production cost. Another method in the prior art is to directly add an occlusion structure layer for reducing the viewing angle on the display screen to avoid affecting the aesthetics of the whole vehicle interior, but this will make the structure of the display screen more complex, and both the production cost and the maintenance cost are significantly increased. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a liquid crystal light control film, which is used to be pasted on the light-emitting surface of a display panel and includes a conductive layer and a light control layer that are mutually adhered. The light control layer includes liquid crystal and a light control structure, the light control structure is placed in the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal is used to adjust the brightness of the display panel under the control of the conductive layer, and the light control structure is used to reduce the viewing angle of the display panel.

[0005] Specifically, the light control layer is divided into a light control area and a non-light control area, the light control structure is arranged in the light control area, and the light control area covers the light-emitting surface.

[0006] Specifically, there are light-transmitting gaps in the light control structure, and the liquid crystal fills the light-transmitting gaps of the light control structure and the non-light control area.

[0007] Specifically, the light control structure includes a plurality of strip-shaped bodies with cross-sections in the shapes of triangles, semi-circles or rectangles, etc., and the strip-shaped bodies form a preset pattern through regular arrangement.

[0008] Specifically, the liquid crystal light control film further includes an alignment layer, the alignment layer is arranged between the conductive layer and the light control layer, and the light control structure passes through the alignment layer and contacts the conductive layer.

[0009] Specifically, the height of the light control structure is equal to or greater than the thickness of the light control layer, and the light control structure divides the light control layer into a plurality of liquid crystal partitions.

[0010] Specifically, the length of the light control structure is less than the length of the light control layer, and the plurality of liquid crystal partitions communicate with each other.

[0011] Specifically, the height of the light control structure is less than the thickness of the light control layer, and the light control structure is fixedly connected to the conductive layer.

[0012] The present invention also provides a display screen, which is formed by laminating a liquid crystal light control film and a display panel. The liquid crystal light control film is the liquid crystal light control film described in any one of the above, and the display panel is a display panel such as an OLED or an LCD.

[0013] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including the display screen described above.

[0014] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention can control the deflection angle of the liquid crystal through the conductive layer, and then control the brightness of the display screen and the electronic device; the viewing angle of the display screen and the electronic device can also be reduced through the light control structure. It can effectively solve the problem that the display screen on the vehicle projects a reflection on the window due to too large a viewing angle, interfering with the driver's line of sight. It can also control the brightness of the display screen, with a simpler structure and lower production cost. Description of the Drawings

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required to be used in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other related drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal light control film in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a top view of the light control layer in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the light control structure in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of step S1 in another manufacturing method of the liquid crystal light control film in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of step S2 in another manufacturing method of the liquid crystal light control film in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of steps S31 - S35 in another manufacturing method of the liquid crystal light - control film according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Among them, the reference numerals of the embodiments of the present utility model in the above - mentioned drawings are as follows:

[0023] 10. First substrate; 20. First conductive layer; 30. First alignment layer; 40. Light - control layer; 41. Liquid crystal; 42. Light - control structure; 43. Light - control area; 44. Non - light - control area; 50. Edge - sealing structure; 60. Second alignment layer; 70. Second conductive layer; 80. Second substrate; 90. Silicon substrate; 91. Optical adhesive layer; 100. Soft template; 200. Resin layer. Specific embodiments

[0024] Next, specific embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all embodiments. Based on the description of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0025] In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as "set", "installed", "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above - mentioned terms can be understood according to specific situations.

[0026] The orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this utility model is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of description and simplification of the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0027] Terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to distinguish elements with similar attributes, rather than indicating or implying relative importance or a specific order.

[0028] The term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover a non - exclusive inclusion. In addition to the elements listed, it may also include other elements not specifically listed.

[0029] The following is a detailed description through specific embodiments.

[0030] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the first embodiment of the present utility model provides a liquid crystal light control film for being attached to the light-emitting surface of a display panel, including a conductive layer and a light control layer 40 that are attached to each other. The light control layer 40 includes liquid crystal 41 and a light control structure 42. The light control structure 42 is disposed in the liquid crystal 41. The liquid crystal 41 is used to adjust the brightness of the display panel under the control of the conductive layer, and the light control structure 42 is used to reduce the viewing angle of the display panel.

[0031] Specifically, the conductive layer includes a first conductive layer 20 and a second conductive layer 70. The liquid crystal light control film in this embodiment further includes an alignment layer, and the alignment layer further includes a first alignment layer 30 and a second alignment layer 60. As Figure 1 shown, the overall structure of the liquid crystal light control film in this embodiment includes a first substrate 10, a first conductive layer 20, a first alignment layer 30, a light control layer 40, a second alignment layer 60, a second conductive layer 70, and a second substrate 80 that are attached to each other from top to bottom. The liquid crystal light control film further includes a sealing structure 50 located between the first conductive layer 20 and the second conductive layer 70, specifically a sealing glue in the shape of a "mouth", which is disposed at the boundary outside the light control layer 40 for sealing the light control layer 40.

[0032] Specifically, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 80 can be glass substrates or PET films, which have the largest area and cover the upper and lower surfaces to play a role of a support structure and increase strength. The first conductive layer 20 and the second conductive layer 70 are ITO films, which can be made by a deposition method. The two are respectively used to connect the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply to achieve a circuit and apply a voltage to the liquid crystal 41. A voltage of about 3V to 5V can be applied between the first conductive layer 20 and the second conductive layer 70. The deflection angle of the liquid crystal 41 is different under different voltage states, and the light transmittance of the liquid crystal light control film is further controlled differently, which can play a role in adjusting the brightness. The light control structure 42 is made of resin and can be made by a deposition method, preferably made of a black organic resin.

[0033] As Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the light control layer 40 is divided into a light control area 43 and a non-light control area 44. The light control structure 42 is disposed in the light control area 43, and the light control area 43 covers the light-emitting surface. The light control structure 42 therein is a plurality of horizontal strip-shaped bodies, which are distributed at equal intervals in the light control area 43. The liquid crystal light control film can be an ECB working mode with normally white (translucent state when not powered on), or a normally white TN working mode. The liquid crystal 41 fills the light control area 43 and the non-light control area 44.

[0034] In this embodiment, there are light-transmitting gaps in the light control structure 42, and the liquid crystal 41 fills the light-transmitting gaps of the light control structure 42.

[0035] In this embodiment, the light control structure 42 includes a plurality of strip-shaped bodies with triangular, semi-circular or rectangular cross-sections, etc., and the strip-shaped bodies are regularly arranged to form a preset pattern. Specifically, the light control structure 42 in this embodiment includes a plurality of strip-shaped bodies with rectangular cross-sections, and the plurality of strip-shaped bodies are arranged at equal intervals within the light control area 43 of the light control layer 40 to form a regular bar graph.

[0036] Specifically, the working principle of the light control structure 42 is as Figure 3 shown, where the width of the strip-shaped body is W, the period is P, the distance between adjacent strip-shaped bodies is P - W, and the height of the strip-shaped body is h. When light passes through the light transmission gap of the light control structure 42 along the Figure 3 direction of the ray in the figure, the light emitting angle is restricted by the light control structure 42, that is, the light control structure 42 restricts the viewing angle of the liquid crystal light control film. The specific viewing angle is θ, and the relationship between θ, W, P, and h is the formula: θ is generally controlled at about 60°. For example, when the liquid crystal light control film is used on the car center control screen, too small a viewing angle will affect the user's viewing of the center control screen, and too large a viewing angle will produce a reflection on the front windshield. The period P is generally between 40 and 150 μm, W is between 10 and 30 μm, and the height h is between 80 and 200 μm. The preferred parameter combinations of the light control structure 42 are shown in Table 1.

[0037] Table 1:

[0038] P W h θ 73 15 100 60.2 68 10 100 60.2 97 10 150 60.2 102 15 150 60.2

[0039] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal light control film further includes an alignment layer, and the alignment layer is disposed between the conductive layer and the light control layer 40, and the light control structure 42 passes through the alignment layer and contacts the conductive layer. Specifically, the alignment layer includes a first alignment layer 30 and a second alignment layer 60.

[0040] In this embodiment, the height of the light control structure 42 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the light control layer 40, and the light control structure 42 divides the light control layer 40 into a plurality of liquid crystal partitions. Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the height of the light control structure 42 is slightly greater than the thickness of the light control layer 40, penetrates through the second alignment layer 60 and is fixedly connected to the second conductive layer 70.

[0041] As Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the length of the light control structure 42 is less than the length of the light control layer 40, and the multiple liquid crystal partitions communicate with each other. Specifically, the light-transmitting gaps in the light control structure 42 form the liquid crystal partitions, and the liquid crystal 41 is filled therein. The liquid crystal 41 between different liquid crystal partitions communicates with each other because the transverse length of the light control structure 42 is lower than the transverse length of the light control layer 40, and the liquid crystal partitions are not sealed. The principle of the present utility model is that the light on the light-emitting surface is emitted through the light-transmitting gaps of the light control structure 42, the emission angle is reduced, and the liquid crystal 41 in the light-transmitting gaps deflects, resulting in a change in brightness. Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present utility model, only relying on the light control layer 40 can simultaneously achieve the functions of reducing the viewing angle and adjusting the brightness. Since the height of the light control structure 42 is not required in the embodiment of the present utility model and does not affect the technical effect of reducing the viewing angle, the manufacturing process is simple, the production cost can be reduced, and the yield can be improved.

[0042] In this embodiment, the height of the light control structure 42 is less than the thickness of the light control layer 40, and the light control structure 42 is fixedly connected to the conductive layer.

[0043] The present utility model also provides a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal light control film of the above first embodiment, which can be manufactured by using the processes of exposure, development, and etching, and can be manufactured by the following steps:

[0044] Step S1: Prepare the first sub-film;

[0045] Step S11: Provide the second substrate 80;

[0046] Step S12: Form the second conductive layer 70 on the second substrate 80;

[0047] Step S13: Form a resin layer on the second conductive layer 70;

[0048] Step S14: Form an optical adhesive layer on the resin layer;

[0049] Step S15: Use the processes of exposure (photolithography), development, and etching on the optical adhesive layer and the resin layer to obtain the light control structure 42;

[0050] Step S16: Remove the resin layer;

[0051] Step S17: Form the second alignment layer 60 on the second conductive layer 70;

[0052] Step S18: Form a sealing structure 50 on the outer boundary of the light control structure 42;

[0053] Step S19: Drop the liquid crystal 41 into the sealing structure 50. The liquid crystal 41 fills the light-transmitting gaps of the light control structure 42 and the inside of the sealing structure 50. The liquid crystal 41 and the light control structure 42 form the light control layer 40 to obtain the first sub-film;

[0054] Step S2: Prepare the second sub-film;

[0055] Step S21: Provide the first substrate 10;

[0056] Step S22: Form the first conductive layer 20 on the first substrate 10;

[0057] Step S23: Form the first alignment layer 30 on the first conductive layer 20 to obtain the second sub-film;

[0058] Step S3: Use the vacuum cell lamination process to laminate the first sub-film and the second sub-film. Specifically, laminate the first alignment layer 30 and the light control layer 40 to obtain the Figure 1 liquid crystal light control film of the first embodiment as shown.

[0059] In the above step S14, the optical glue layer is composed of PR glue or other photoresists.

[0060] In the above step S15, after lithography, a groove with a preset pattern is formed on the optical glue layer. The preset pattern is the shape of the light control structure 42, and this groove penetrates the optical glue layer; after etching, this groove further penetrates the resin layer to the second conductive layer 70. At this time, the resin layer becomes the light control structure 42 under the action of the groove.

[0061] In the above step S17, the second alignment layer 60 is formed by using a transfer or spraying method. Since the light control structure 42 is fixedly connected to the conductive layer, holes are formed on the second alignment layer 60 for the light control structure 42 to pass through.

[0062] The present invention also provides another manufacturing method of the liquid crystal light control film of the first embodiment above, which can be manufactured by using a nanoimprint process and can be manufactured by the following steps:

[0063] Step S1: Prepare a nanoimprint template;

[0064] Step S11: Provide a silicon substrate 90;

[0065] Step S12: Form an optical glue layer 91 on the silicon substrate 90;

[0066] Step S13: Use the processes of exposure (lithography), development, and etching on the optical glue layer 91 and the silicon substrate 90 to obtain a preset pattern;

[0067] Step S14: Remove the optical glue layer 91 to obtain the nanoimprint template;

[0068] Step S2: Prepare a soft template 92 with a preset pattern;

[0069] Step S21: Provide the soft template 92;

[0070] Step S22: Transfer the preset pattern on the nanoimprint template to the soft template 92 by means of transfer printing, obtaining a soft template 92 with a transferred pattern;

[0071] Step S3: Prepare the first sub - film;

[0072] Step S31: Provide a second substrate 80;

[0073] Step S32: Form a second conductive layer 70 on the second substrate 80;

[0074] Step S33: Form a resin layer 93 on the second conductive layer 70;

[0075] Step S34: Imprint the transferred pattern on the soft template 92 with the transferred pattern onto the resin layer 93 through an imprinting machine;

[0076] Step S35: After the resin layer 93 is cured, remove the soft template 92 with the transferred pattern, obtaining a light - control structure 42;

[0077] Step S37: Form a second alignment layer 60 on the second conductive layer 70;

[0078] Step S38: Form a sealing structure 50 on the outer boundary of the light - control structure 42;

[0079] Step S39: Infuse liquid crystal 41 into the sealing structure 50. The liquid crystal 41 fills the light - transmitting gaps of the light - control structure 42 and the inside of the sealing structure 50. The liquid crystal 41 and the light - control structure 42 form a light - control layer 40, obtaining the first sub - film;

[0080] Step S4: Prepare the second sub - film;

[0081] Step S41: Provide a first substrate 10;

[0082] Step S42: Form a first conductive layer 20 on the first substrate 10;

[0083] Step S43: Form a first alignment layer 30 on the first conductive layer 20, obtaining the second sub - film;

[0084] Step S5: Use the vacuum cell - bonding process to bond the first sub - film and the second sub - film. Specifically, bond the first alignment layer 30 and the light - control layer 40, obtaining the liquid - crystal light - control film of the first embodiment as Figure 1 shown.

[0085] In the above - mentioned step S12, the optical adhesive layer 91 is composed of PR glue or other photoresists.

[0086] In the above step S13, after photolithography, a groove with a preset pattern is formed on the optical glue layer 91. The preset pattern is the shape of the light control structure 42, and this groove penetrates through the optical glue layer 91; after etching, this groove further penetrates into the silicon substrate 90 but does not penetrate through the silicon substrate 90.

[0087] In the above step S22, the transferred pattern is the reverse configuration of the preset pattern.

[0088] In the above step S34, after imprinting, a groove with a preset pattern is formed on the resin layer 93. The preset pattern is the shape of the light control structure 42, and this groove penetrates through the resin layer 93 to the second conductive layer 70. At this time, the resin layer 93 becomes the light control structure 42 under the action of the groove.

[0089] In the above step S37, the second alignment layer 60 is formed by using a transfer or spraying method. Since the light control structure 42 is fixedly connected to the conductive layer, holes are formed on the second alignment layer 60 for the light control structure 42 to pass through.

[0090] The second embodiment of the present invention also provides a display screen, which is formed by laminating a liquid crystal light control film and a display panel. The liquid crystal light control film is the liquid crystal light control film described in any one of the above first embodiments, and the display panel is a display panel such as an OLED or an LCD. Its structure is divided into three types: 1. An LCD display panel is adopted and the liquid crystal light control film is below it. 2. An LCD display panel is adopted and the liquid crystal light control film is above it. 3. An OLED display panel is adopted and the liquid crystal light control film is above it.

[0091] 1. The structure with an LCD screen and the liquid crystal light control film below it includes a cover plate, an upper polarizer, an LCD display panel, a middle polarizer, a liquid crystal light control film, a lower polarizer, and a backlight unit that are stacked in sequence from top to bottom. Light is emitted upward from the backlight unit, passes through the cover plate, and enters the human eye.

[0092] 2. The structure with an LCD screen and the liquid crystal light control film above it includes a cover plate, an upper polarizer, a liquid crystal light control film, a middle polarizer, an LCD display panel, a lower polarizer, and a backlight unit that are stacked in sequence from top to bottom.

[0093] 3. The structure with an OLED screen and the liquid crystal light control film above it includes a cover plate, an upper polarizer, a liquid crystal light control film, a middle polarizer, and an OLED display panel that are stacked in sequence from top to bottom. When using an OLED display panel, there is no lower polarizer and backlight unit.

[0094] Specifically, the three polarizers in the LCD screen are designed to be mutually orthogonal.

[0095] In the second embodiment of the present utility model, the angle of the light emitted by the backlight unit is narrowed to about 60 degrees through the liquid crystal light control film, so that the finally emitted light of the display screen is concentrated in the driver's direction, and no light is emitted towards the windshield, and there will be no reflection of the instrument or the central control screen on the windshield. The side of the backlight unit or the OLED display panel facing the liquid crystal light control film is the light-emitting surface.

[0096] The third embodiment of the present utility model further provides an electronic device, including the display screen as described above. Such as the central control screen used in an automobile, etc.

[0097] In summary, the embodiments of the present utility model can control the deflection angle of the liquid crystal 41 through the conductive layer, and further control the brightness of the display screen and the electronic device; the viewing angle of the display screen and the electronic device can also be reduced through the light control structure 42. It can effectively solve the problem that the reflection of the display screen on the vehicle window due to the too large viewing angle interferes with the driver's line of sight, and can also control the brightness of the display screen, with a simpler structure and lower production cost.

[0098] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present utility model should be covered by the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of the present utility model should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal light control film for being attached to the light-emitting surface of a display panel, characterized in that It includes a mutually adhered conductive layer and a light control layer. The light control layer includes liquid crystal and a light control structure. The light control structure is disposed in the liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is used to adjust the brightness of the display panel under the control of the conductive layer, and the light control structure is used to reduce the viewing angle of the display panel.

2. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 1, wherein The light control layer is divided into a light control area and a non-light control area. The light control structure is disposed in the light control area, and the light control area covers the light-emitting surface.

3. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 2, wherein There are light-transmitting gaps in the light control structure, and the liquid crystal fills the light-transmitting gaps of the light control structure.

4. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 1, wherein The light control structure includes a plurality of strip-shaped bodies with triangular, semi-circular or rectangular cross-sections, and the strip-shaped bodies are regularly arranged to form a preset pattern.

5. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal light control film further includes an alignment layer. The alignment layer is disposed between the conductive layer and the light control layer, and the light control structure passes through the alignment layer and contacts the conductive layer.

6. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 1, wherein The height of the light control structure is equal to or greater than the thickness of the light control layer, and the light control structure divides the light control layer into a plurality of liquid crystal partitions.

7. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 6, wherein The length of the light control structure is less than the length of the light control layer, and the plurality of liquid crystal partitions communicate with each other.

8. The liquid crystal light control film according to claim 1, wherein The height of the light control structure is less than the thickness of the light control layer, and the light control structure is fixedly connected to the conductive layer.

9. A display screen is formed by laminating a liquid crystal light control film and a display panel, characterized in that The liquid crystal light control film is the liquid crystal light control film according to any one of claims 1-8 above, and the display panel is an OLED or LCD display panel.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a display screen as described in claim 9.

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