Naked eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit and display device

Abstract

At least one embodiment of the utility model provides a naked eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit and a display device. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit comprises an upper substrate assembly and a lower substrate assembly, wherein the upper substrate assembly comprises an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer arranged below the upper substrate; the lower substrate assembly comprises a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer arranged above the lower substrate; an intermediate layer disposed between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly, the intermediate layer including: a lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer; a gap control member disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and a liquid crystal filling a gap between the lens assembly, the gap controller, and the lower electrode layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of three-dimensional (3D) display, and more specifically to a naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit and display device. Background Technology

[0002] Glasses-free 3D, also known as autostereoscopic 3D, is a display technology that allows users to view 3D images without wearing glasses. It utilizes liquid crystal displays and special optical structures (such as parallax barriers or lens arrays) to directly transmit different images to the user's eyes, creating a stereoscopic visual effect. The main advantages of glasses-free 3D include a convenient viewing experience, enhanced immersion, multi-angle viewing capabilities, and broad application prospects. It is suitable for various fields such as television, mobile phones, and medical imaging, providing users with a more vivid and realistic visual experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit and a display device, so as to provide a uniform distance distribution between the upper substrate assembly and the lower substrate assembly of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit, thereby ensuring the display quality of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit.

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit, comprising: an upper substrate assembly including an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; a lower substrate assembly including a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; an intermediate layer disposed between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly, the intermediate layer comprising: a lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer; a gap control member disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and liquid crystal filling the gap between the lens assembly, the gap control member and the lower electrode layer.

[0005] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the gap control element is disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer.

[0006] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the gap control element is disposed on the surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

[0007] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the gap control element is a columnar gap control element.

[0008] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the lens assembly is a plano-convex lens assembly, which includes a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface is disposed facing the lower electrode layer.

[0009] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of gap control elements are provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer.

[0010] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the upper substrate and the lower substrate are glass.

[0011] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are indium tin oxide layers.

[0012] For example, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell further includes an insulating layer disposed on the surface of the lower electrode layer away from the lower substrate.

[0013] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating layer includes a photoalignment layer.

[0014] For example, in a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the lens assembly includes a photoalignment layer.

[0015] For example, in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate layer further includes a sealing component disposed around the lens assembly, the gap control component, and the liquid crystal.

[0016] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a display device. The display device includes the aforementioned glasses-free 3D liquid crystal unit. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the process of a clearance control component according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of a photoalignment process according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sealant dispensing and liquid crystal dropping process according to at least one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly and curing process according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the described embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects.

[0026] In the embodiments of this utility model, all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are primarily used to clearly and accurately describe the object, action, or position within a specific reference frame. These directional terms do not imply absolute physical directions, but are defined according to the specific context and descriptive needs of the embodiments. Therefore, when reading and understanding the embodiments of this utility model, it is important to focus on how these directional indicators are defined and used in a specific context, rather than treating them as absolute physical directions. It should also be noted that the same directional indicator may have different meanings in different embodiments or application scenarios.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell.

[0028] See Figure 1An exemplary glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell includes, from top to bottom (e.g., along the direction of the arrow in the figure), an upper substrate 11 (e.g., top glass) 11, an upper electrode layer (e.g., upper indium tin oxide (ITO) layer) 12, a lens assembly 13, liquid crystal (LC) 14, an insulating layer (e.g., polyimide (PI) layer) 15, a lower electrode layer (e.g., lower ITO layer) 16, and a lower substrate (e.g., bottom glass) 17. Additionally, the glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell also includes a sealing assembly 18 disposed around the lens assembly 13, liquid crystal 14, and PI layer 15, which prevents liquid crystal leakage from the glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell.

[0029] The inventors of this utility model realized, for example, see Figure 1 The described glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell, or other glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cells, has a cell gap between the top and bottom glass of the lens assembly supported by liquid crystal. This support method is the same as that used in current TFT-LCD cell technology. However, it is difficult to control this cell gap solely with liquid crystal because liquid crystal is liquid rather than rigid, which may lead to uneven display in the moving glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell.

[0030] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell and a display device. Exemplarily, the glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell provides a gap control element between its upper substrate assembly and lower substrate assembly to provide a uniform cell gap, thereby providing a uniform glasses-free 3D liquid crystal cell display.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] See Figure 2 The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell may include an upper substrate assembly 22, a lower substrate assembly 24, and an intermediate layer 26. For example, the upper substrate assembly 22, the intermediate layer 26, and the lower substrate assembly 24 may be arranged sequentially from top to bottom (e.g., along the direction of the arrow in the figure).

[0033] The upper substrate assembly 22 may include an upper substrate 221 and an upper electrode layer 222 disposed below the upper substrate 221.

[0034] The lower substrate assembly 24 may include a lower substrate 241 and a lower electrode layer 242 disposed above the lower substrate 241.

[0035] The intermediate layer 26 may be disposed between the lower substrate assembly 24 and the upper substrate assembly 22. The intermediate layer 26 may include a lens assembly 261 disposed below the upper electrode layer 222; a gap control member 262 disposed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24; and liquid crystal 263 filling the gap between the lens assembly 261, the gap control member 262 and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gap control component between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly can provide uniform cell spacing for the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell, thereby providing uniform naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell display.

[0037] In some embodiments, the gap control member 262 may be disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242, that is, on the surface of the lower electrode layer 242 away from the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0038] In some embodiments, the gap control member 262 may be disposed on the surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer 242, that is, on the surface of the lens assembly 261 away from the upper electrode layer 222.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, gap control elements can be flexibly provided on the surface of the lower electrode layer or lens assembly.

[0040] In some embodiments, the gap control element 262 may be a spherical gap control element, a mushroom-shaped gap control element, or a columnar gap control element.

[0041] According to embodiments of this invention, the columnar gap control member can provide stable support, thus providing a stable and uniform unit spacing. For example, compared to spherical or mushroom-shaped gap control members, the columnar gap control member can more stably maintain a uniform unit spacing.

[0042] Of course, the embodiments of this utility model are not limited thereto. The gap control member 262 can be other shapes, such as regular or irregular shapes, as long as it can provide, for example, rigid support between the upper substrate assembly 22 and the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 261 may be a plano-convex lens assembly (e.g., Figure 2 An example of a plano-convex lens assembly (shown as an example of a lens assembly 261) is described. The plano-convex lens assembly includes a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface is disposed toward the lower electrode layer 242.

[0044] Of course, the embodiments of this utility model are not limited thereto. The above-described plano-convex lens assembly includes a single convex lens surface. In other aspects, the lens assembly can also be other types of lens assemblies, as long as it can achieve the corresponding optical functions (e.g., optical focusing, viewing angle optimization, image enhancement, prevention of light scattering, etc.). For example, the lens assembly can be a concave lens assembly, such as a plano-concave lens assembly, which can include multiple or more concave lens surfaces, and each concave lens surface is disposed facing the lower electrode layer. As another example, the lens assembly can be a convex lens assembly, such as the above-described plano-convex lens assembly. As yet another example, the lens assembly can be a combination of a concave lens assembly and a convex lens assembly.

[0045] In some embodiments, a plurality of gap control elements 262 may be provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer 242. In other words, an array of gap control elements may be provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer 242. For example, see Figure 2 Three gap control elements 262 are provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present invention, multiple gap control elements can make the corresponding support more stable, thereby providing a stable and uniform unit spacing.

[0047] Of course, the embodiments of this utility model are not limited thereto. For example, one or more gap control members 262 may be provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer 242. As another example, one or more gap control members 262 may be provided between some convex lens surfaces and the lower electrode layer 242, while no gap control members 262 may be provided between other convex lens surfaces and the lower electrode layer 242. In other aspects, the number of gap control members 262 provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer 242 may be the same or different.

[0048] In some embodiments, the upper substrate 221 and the lower substrate 241 may be glass or other transparent materials.

[0049] According to embodiments of this invention, high transparency can be provided for naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cells.

[0050] Of course, the embodiments of this utility model are not limited to this. For example, the upper substrate 221 and the lower substrate 241 can be made of other materials. For example, the upper substrate can be tempered glass, plastic (such as polycarbonate), etc. In some applications, plastic can reduce weight and increase impact resistance. As another example, the lower substrate can be a ceramic substrate or a plastic substrate. In some applications, such as flexible displays, ceramic can provide better thermal stability.

[0051] In some embodiments, the upper electrode layer 222 and the lower electrode layer 242 may be indium tin oxide (ITO) layers.

[0052] According to embodiments of this utility model, high transparency, good conductivity, and chemical stability can be provided for naked-eye 3D liquid crystal units.

[0053] Of course, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to this. For example, the upper and lower electrode layers can be silver nanowires, conductive polymers (such as PEDOT:PSS), etc. These materials can serve as alternatives to transparent conductive electrodes, especially in flexible and wearable devices.

[0054] In some embodiments, the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit may optionally include an insulating layer 264 disposed on the surface of the lower electrode layer 242 away from the lower substrate 241. Exemplarily, the insulating layer 264 may be a polyimide (PI) layer, a polyester (PET) layer, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer, etc.

[0055] According to embodiments of this utility model, good insulation and heat resistance can be provided for naked-eye 3D liquid crystal units.

[0056] In addition, the gap control member 262 may pass through the insulating layer 264 and be directly disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 (i.e., the surface of the lower electrode layer 242 away from the lower substrate 241), or the gap control member 262 may be directly disposed on the surface of the insulating layer away from the lower electrode layer 242.

[0057] In some embodiments, insulating layer 264 includes a photoalignment layer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 261 includes a photoalignment layer.

[0059] According to embodiments of this utility model, photoorientation can be provided in the insulating layer (lower substrate side) and / or the lens assembly (upper substrate side) to achieve high-quality image display, and can avoid many risks of LC alignment non-uniformity, particles, scratches, ESD and friction marks that exist in traditional LC alignment by friction method.

[0060] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 26 further includes a sealing component 265 disposed around the lens assembly 261, the gap control component 262, and the liquid crystal 263. Exemplarily, the sealing component may be silicone, polyurethane sealant, etc.

[0061] According to embodiments of this utility model, good sealing performance can be provided to prevent liquid crystal leakage and environmental impact.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The individual components or parts described can be transparent. Additionally, clearance control components can be different colors, such as transparent or black, etc.

[0063] Understandable. Figure 2 The aspects of the structure of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit shown are merely exemplary and can be modified as needed. Figure 2 The structure of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cell can be modified. For example, more or fewer cells can be added. Figure 2 Layers or components of naked-eye 3D liquid crystal cells. For example, it can be... Figure 2 The layers or components of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit are replaced with other layers or components.

[0064] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the fabrication process of a naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is shown. For ease of description, as... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The arrows in the text indicate a top-to-bottom direction consistent with the description above.

[0065] An exemplary fabrication process for a naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps.

[0066] Step 1: As Figure 3A As shown, a gap control process can be performed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 to form a gap control 262. Alternatively, as... Figure 3B As shown, a gap control element process can be performed on the surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer (i.e., on the surface of the lens assembly 261 away from the upper electrode layer 222) to form a gap control element 262. For example, the shape of the gap control element 262 can be various shapes such as columnar, spherical, or mushroom-shaped, formed by different methods and materials, such as UV lithography or laser printing. In other aspects, the color of the gap control element 262 is unrestricted; for example, it can be transparent or black.

[0067] Step 2: As Figure 4A As shown, an optical alignment process can be performed on the surface of the lens assembly 261. Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 4B As shown, a photo-alignment process can be performed on the surface of the insulating layer 264 (e.g., a PI layer). For example, in terms of photo-alignment processes, light (e.g.,...) can be used... Figure 4A The polarized ultraviolet (UV) light or other light (e.g., depending on the specific material) is used to irradiate the material to control the molecular orientation of the material, thereby modulating the optical properties of the material to control the display effect.

[0068] Step 3: As Figure 5 As shown, a sealant can be dispensed on the lower electrode layer 242 and the insulating layer 264 and around the gap control member 262 to form a sealing assembly 265, and liquid crystal can be dropped into the gap formed by the sealing assembly 265, the gap control member 262 and the insulating layer 264.

[0069] Step 4: As Figure 6 As shown, the components of the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit (e.g., the components obtained through steps 1 to 3) can be assembled and cured to obtain the naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit.

[0070] It is understood that the above manufacturing process is merely exemplary, and the order of each step or the specific operations or processes within each step can be adjusted as needed. For example, steps 1 and 2 can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously. As another example, the light used for photoorientation in step 2 can be other light or other photoorientation processes.

[0071] This invention also provides a display device. The display device includes a naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of this invention.

[0072] For example, the display device can be any product or component with a display function, such as a television, digital camera, mobile phone, watch, tablet computer, laptop computer, or navigator, which includes an LCD panel.

[0073] The following points need to be explained:

[0074] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this utility model. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0075] (2) Where there is no conflict, features of the same embodiment and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0076] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. The scope of protection of the present utility model is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit, characterized in that, include: The upper substrate assembly includes an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; The lower substrate assembly includes a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; An intermediate layer, disposed between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly, the intermediate layer comprising: A lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer; A gap control element disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and Liquid crystal that fills the gap between the lens assembly, the gap control element, and the lower electrode layer.

2. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap control element is disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer.

3. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap control element is disposed on the surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

4. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap control component is a columnar gap control component.

5. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The lens assembly is a plano-convex lens assembly, which includes multiple convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface is disposed facing the lower electrode layer.

6. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, A plurality of gap control elements are provided between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer.

7. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper substrate and the lower substrate are made of glass.

8. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are indium tin oxide layers.

9. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal unit also includes an insulating layer disposed on the surface of the lower electrode layer away from the lower substrate.

10. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The insulating layer includes a photoalignment layer.

11. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens assembly includes a photoalignment layer.

12. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate layer also includes a sealing component disposed around the lens assembly, the gap control component, and the liquid crystal.

13. A display device comprising a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit as described in any one of claims 1-12.

Images