Multi-state indicating device and electrical system
By combining an LCD panel and a polarizer, and utilizing the switching of light polarization states and pattern reflection, the problem of multi-state switching of optical signals when indicating different state information is solved, thereby improving the recognizability of optical signals and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-31
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, optical signals lack effective multi-state switching methods when indicating different state information, making it difficult to express multi-state information through light polarization and pattern reflection.
A multi-state indicator device is adopted, which uses a combination of liquid crystal panel and polarizer to switch the polarization state of light by changing the operation mode of liquid crystal panel, and combines the reflection of pattern layer to realize the expression of light signals in different states.
It enables the expression of multi-state information through the polarization and patterned reflection of light, thereby improving the recognizability of optical signals and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224067107U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the electrical field, and more specifically to indicators that display multi-state switching. Background Technology
[0002] Different indicator signals can provide users with information about whether the device is in a usable state. These indicator signals are usually predefined and can be expressed in the form of sound, images, etc.
[0003] Light can also be used to transmit indicator signals. How to implement a device that optimally presents light signals to indicate different state information has been continuously studied. Utility Model Content
[0004] This disclosure presents a multi-state indicator and an electrical system including the multi-state indicator. The multi-state indicator is capable of presenting optical signals expressing different information by utilizing the polarization and patterned reflection of light.
[0005] According to the first aspect, a multi-state indication device is proposed, including a first polarizer configured to receive incident light and transmit the incident light having a first polarization state in use.
[0006] A liquid crystal panel assembly includes a first liquid crystal panel configured to, in use, allow incident light from a first polarizer to propagate through the first liquid crystal panel, and when in a first operating mode, maintain the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the first liquid crystal panel, and when in a second operating mode, change the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the first liquid crystal panel.
[0007] A second polarizer is configured to receive and transmit incident light having a second polarization state from the first liquid crystal panel during use, the second polarization state being the same as the first polarization state; and
[0008] A pattern layer having a predetermined first pattern is positioned such that, in use, the first pattern receives incident light having a second polarization state from the second polarizer, and the first pattern reflects the incident light having the second polarization state toward the second polarizer, the reflected light passing sequentially through the second polarizer, the first liquid crystal panel in the first operating mode, and the first polarizer.
[0009] In some embodiments, the multi-state indication device further includes: a third polarizer configured to receive and transmit incident light having a third polarization state from the first liquid crystal panel in use, the third polarization state being orthogonal to the first polarization state;
[0010] The pattern layer has a predetermined second pattern, which is positioned such that in use the second pattern receives incident light having the third polarization state from the third polarizer, and the second pattern reflects the incident light having the third polarization state toward the third polarizer, the reflected light passing sequentially through the third polarizer, the first liquid crystal panel in the second operating mode, and the first polarizer.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first pattern mirror-reflects the incident light.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first pattern includes a shape or a combination of color and shape.
[0013] In some embodiments, the second pattern includes a shape or a combination of color and shape.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first pattern and the second pattern may partially overlap or not overlap.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first liquid crystal panel is electrically connected to a power source, and the first operating mode corresponds to the power source being turned on, and the second operating mode corresponds to the power source being turned off.
[0016] According to a second aspect, a multi-state indication device is provided, the multi-state indication device comprising:
[0017] A first polarizer is configured to receive incident light and transmit the incident light having a first polarization state during use.
[0018] LCD panel assembly, including:
[0019] A first liquid crystal panel is configured to allow incident light from the first polarizer to propagate through the first liquid crystal panel during use, and to maintain the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the first liquid crystal panel when in a first operating mode, and to change the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the first liquid crystal panel when in a second operating mode; and
[0020] A second liquid crystal panel is configured to allow incident light from the first polarizer to propagate through the second liquid crystal panel during use, and to change the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the second liquid crystal panel when in the first operating mode, and to maintain the polarization state of the incident light propagating through the second liquid crystal panel when in the second operating mode; and
[0021] A third polarizer is configured to receive and transmit incident light having a third polarization state from the first or second liquid crystal panel during use, the third polarization state being orthogonal to the first polarization state; and
[0022] A patterned layer having a predetermined first pattern and a predetermined second pattern, the patterned layer being positioned for use:
[0023] - This causes the first pattern to receive the incident light having the third polarization state from the second liquid crystal panel via the third polarizer, and the first pattern reflects the incident light having the third polarization state toward the third polarizer. The reflected light passes sequentially through the third polarizer, the second liquid crystal panel in the first operating mode, and the first polarizer.
[0024] - This causes the second pattern to receive the incident light having the third polarization state from the first liquid crystal panel through the third polarizer, and the second pattern reflects the incident light having the third polarization state toward the third polarizer, and the reflected light passes sequentially through the third polarizer, the first liquid crystal panel in the second operating mode, and the first polarizer.
[0025] In some embodiments, the first pattern mirrors the incident light; and / or the second pattern mirrors the incident light.
[0026] In some embodiments, the first pattern comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape; and / or the second pattern comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first pattern and the second pattern may partially overlap or not overlap.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel are electrically connected to a power source, and the first operating mode corresponds to the power source being turned on, and the second operating mode corresponds to the power source being turned off.
[0029] According to a third aspect, an electrical system is provided, the electrical system comprising:
[0030] According to the multi-state indication device described in the first aspect, and
[0031] The controller is configured to control the switching of the first LCD panel between a first operating mode and a second operating mode.
[0032] According to a fourth aspect, an electrical system is provided, the electrical system comprising:
[0033] According to the multi-state indication device described in the second aspect, and
[0034] The controller is configured to control the switching between a first LCD panel and a second LCD panel between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. Attached Figure Description
[0035] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. In the following figures...
[0036] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a multi-state indication device according to some embodiments is schematically shown;
[0037] Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a multi-state indicator device;
[0038] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a multi-state indication device according to some embodiments is schematically shown;
[0039] Figure 4 Schematic illustration Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of a multi-state indicator device;
[0040] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a multi-state indication device according to some embodiments is schematically shown; and
[0041] Figure 6 Schematic illustration Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a multi-state indicator device. Detailed Implementation
[0042] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1-2 The first polarizer 11, the liquid crystal panel assembly 20, the second polarizer 12, and the pattern layer 30 can be stacked together in sequence. The first polarizer 11 can be configured to transmit light with a first polarization state in the incident light 40. The second polarizer 12 can be configured to transmit light with a second polarization state having the same polarization state as the first polarization state. The first polarization state and the second polarization state correspond to linear polarization.
[0043] The liquid crystal panel assembly 20 may include a first liquid crystal panel 21 and a second liquid crystal panel 22. Each of the first liquid crystal panel 21 and the second liquid crystal panel 22 includes at least a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer will change their alignment direction under the influence of an electric field. In some cases, when no electric field is applied, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer will cause the polarization direction of incident polarized light to rotate. When an electric field is applied, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer changes, so that the polarization direction of the incident light no longer rotates.
[0044] In some embodiments, the first liquid crystal panel 21 and the second liquid crystal panel 22 may further include a polarizer, which can maintain the polarization direction of light when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and change the polarization direction of light when no electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer.
[0045] The first liquid crystal panel 21 can be disposed between the first polarizer 11 and the second polarizer 12. The first liquid crystal panel 21 can be configured to allow incident light 40 from the first polarizer 11 to propagate through the first liquid crystal panel 21.
[0046] The first liquid crystal panel 21 can also be connected to a power supply 50. In some embodiments, a change in the state of the power supply 50 causes a switch in the operating mode of the first liquid crystal panel 21. In some embodiments, when the power supply 50 is turned on, the first liquid crystal panel 21 is switched to a first operating mode. When in the first operating mode, the first liquid crystal panel 21 maintains the polarization state of the incident light 40 propagating through the first liquid crystal panel 21. When the power supply 50 is turned off, the first liquid crystal panel 21 is switched to a second operating mode. When in the second operating mode, the first liquid crystal panel 21 changes the polarization state of the incident light 40 propagating through the first liquid crystal panel 21. In other embodiments, when the power supply 50 is turned on, the first liquid crystal panel 21 can be switched to the second operating mode, and when the power supply 50 is turned off, the first liquid crystal panel 21 can be switched to the first operating mode.
[0047] In use, the first polarizer 11 receives incident light 40 and propagates the incident light 40 having a first polarization state through the first polarizer 11. The first liquid crystal panel 21, in a first operating mode, receives the incident light 40 having the first polarization state propagating through the first polarizer 11, converts the first polarization state of the incident light 40 to a second polarization state, and outputs the incident light 40 having the second polarization state. The second polarizer 12 is used to receive and transmit the incident light 40 having the second polarization state. A pattern layer 30 positioned downstream of the second polarizer 12 has a first pattern 31. The first pattern 31 can receive the incident light 40 having the second polarization state from the second polarizer 12 and subsequently reflects the incident light 40 having the second polarization state towards the second polarizer 12. The reflected light 42 passes sequentially through the second polarizer 12, the first liquid crystal panel 21 in the first operating mode, and the first polarizer 11. When the reflected light 42 propagates through the first liquid crystal panel 21 in the first operating mode, the polarization state of the reflected light 42 remains unchanged, and the first liquid crystal panel 21 can output the reflected light 42 having a second polarization state that is the same as the first polarization state. Then, the reflected light 42 having the second polarization state can propagate through the first polarizer 11, thereby enabling it to be perceived by the user observing the multi-state indicator device.
[0048] Depending on the shape or combination of color and shape of the first pattern 31, the user can recognize the meaning expressed by the first pattern 31. In some embodiments, the first pattern 31 may be a ring. If the user knows the predefined meaning expressed by the ring in advance, then when the ring is displayed, the user can understand that the situation corresponding to the predefined meaning expressed by the ring has occurred.
[0049] In some embodiments, the ring may include green. Because green is more eye-catching, users can more easily observe the ring being displayed.
[0050] The first pattern 31 can also be square and can include green. Other shapes of the first pattern are also possible. The first pattern can also include multiple different colors at the same time.
[0051] The color and shape of the first pattern 31 can also be configured according to the user's preferences.
[0052] In some embodiments, the state change (on or off) of the power supply 50 can be controlled by a controller. This controller is part of the electrical system and can be configured to control the on and off of the power supply 50 based on instruction information from other components within the electrical system, thereby enabling the first pattern 31 to be controllably provided to the user. In this way, the display of the first pattern 31 can be associated with the operating state of other components. For example, after receiving an instruction message indicating that other components are operating normally, the controller controls the power supply 50 to be on, so that the first pattern 31 is displayed, thereby allowing the user to recognize that the other components are currently operating normally. If the controller does not receive an instruction message indicating that other components are operating normally or receives an instruction message indicating that other components are operating abnormally, the controller can control the power supply 50 to be off, so that the first pattern 31 is not displayed, thereby allowing the user to recognize that the absence of the first pattern 31 is due to other components operating abnormally.
[0053] In some embodiments, the first pattern 31 is formed of a reflective material and is formed on a first region of the pattern layer 30.
[0054] refer to Figures 3-4The multi-state indicator device 10 may also include a third polarizer 13. The third polarizer 13 may be arranged adjacent to the second polarizer 12. In some embodiments, the third polarizer 13 and the second polarizer 12 may be arranged on the same plane. In use, the third polarizer 13 is configured to receive and transmit incident light 40 with a third polarization state from the first liquid crystal panel 21. The third polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. The second pattern 32 reflects the incident light 40 with the third polarization state toward the third polarizer 13. The reflected light 42 passes sequentially through the third polarizer 13, the first liquid crystal panel 21 in a second operating mode, and the first polarizer 11. When the reflected light 42 propagates through the first liquid crystal panel 21 in the second operating mode, the polarization state of the reflected light 42 changes by 90 degrees, enabling the first liquid crystal panel 21 to output the reflected light 42 with the first polarization state. Then, the reflected light 42 with the first polarization state can propagate through the first polarizer 11, thereby becoming perceptible to the user observing the multi-state indicator device.
[0055] Similar to the first pattern 31, depending on the shape or combination of color and shape of the second pattern 32, the user can identify the meaning expressed by the second pattern 32. The shape and color of the second pattern 32 can also be configured as needed. In some embodiments, the second pattern 32 is formed of a reflective material and is formed on a second region of the pattern layer 30. In some embodiments, the second region where the second pattern 32 is located is closer to the center of the pattern layer than the first region where the first pattern 31 is located. In some embodiments, the second region may be surrounded by the first region. In other words, the second pattern 32 may be inside the first pattern 31.
[0056] In some embodiments, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 may only partially overlap. This allows the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 to be displayed independently without requiring a complex process to calibrate the positioning of the pattern layer relative to the second polarizer 12 and the third polarizer 13.
[0057] In some embodiments, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 may only partially overlap. Depending on the positioning of the pattern layer relative to the second polarizer 12 and the third polarizer 13, a larger area of pattern display can be provided to the user through either the first pattern 31 and a portion of the second pattern 32 overlapping the first pattern 31, or the second pattern 32 and a portion of the first pattern 31 overlapping the second pattern 32. This allows for full utilization of the space on the pattern layer and makes the arrangement more compact.
[0058] In some embodiments, reference Figures 5-6The liquid crystal panel assembly 20 may further include a second liquid crystal panel 22, which may be configured to allow incident light 40 from the first polarizer 11 to propagate through it during use. The first liquid crystal panel 21 and the second liquid crystal panel 22 may be connected to the same power supply 50. In some embodiments, a change in the state of the power supply 50 causes a switch in the operating mode of the second liquid crystal panel 22. In some embodiments, when the power supply 50 is turned on, the second liquid crystal panel 22 is switched to a first operating mode. Unlike the first liquid crystal panel 21, when in the first operating mode, the second liquid crystal panel 22 changes the polarization state of the incident light 40 propagating through the first liquid crystal panel 21. When the power supply 50 is turned off, the second liquid crystal panel 22 is switched to a second operating mode. When in the second operating mode, the second liquid crystal panel 22 maintains the polarization state of the incident light 40 propagating through the first liquid crystal panel 21.
[0059] In use, the first polarizer 11 receives the incident light 40 and propagates the incident light 40 having a first polarization state through the first polarizer 11.
[0060] When in the first operating mode, the first liquid crystal panel 21 receives incident light 40 with a first polarization state propagating through the first polarizer 11, maintains the polarization state of the incident light 40, and outputs incident light 40 with a second polarization state. The second liquid crystal panel 22, also in the first operating mode, receives incident light 40 with a first polarization state propagating through the first polarizer 11 and changes the polarization state of the incident light 40. The third polarizer 13 receives and transmits incident light 40 with a third polarization state. The third polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A pattern layer positioned downstream of the third polarizer 13 has a first pattern 31. The first pattern 31 can receive incident light 40 with a third polarization state from the third polarizer 13 and subsequently reflects the incident light 40 with the third polarization state toward the third polarizer 13. The reflected light 42 passes sequentially through the third polarizer 13, the second liquid crystal panel 22 in the first operating mode, and the first polarizer 11. When the reflected light 42 propagates through the second liquid crystal panel 22 in the first operating mode, the polarization state of the reflected light 42 can be changed, so that the second liquid crystal panel 22 can output the reflected light 42 with the first polarization state. Then, the reflected light 42 with the first polarization state can propagate through the first polarizer 11, thereby enabling it to be perceived by the user observing the multi-state indicator device.
[0061] When in the second operating mode, the first liquid crystal panel 21 receives incident light 40 with a first polarization state propagating through the first polarizer 11 and changes the polarization state of the incident light 40. The second liquid crystal panel 22, also in the second operating mode, receives incident light 40 with a first polarization state propagating through the first polarizer 11, maintains the polarization state of the incident light 40, and outputs incident light 40 with a second polarization state.
[0062] The third polarizer 13 is used to receive and transmit incident light 40 having a third polarization state. The third polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A pattern layer positioned downstream of the incident light from the third polarizer 13 has a second pattern 32. The second pattern 32 can receive the incident light 40 having the third polarization state from the third polarizer 13 and then reflect the incident light 40 having the third polarization state toward the third polarizer 13. The reflected light 42 passes sequentially through the third polarizer 13, the first liquid crystal panel 21 in the second operating mode, and the first polarizer 11. When the reflected light 42 propagates through the first liquid crystal panel 21 in the second operating mode, the polarization state of the reflected light 42 can be changed, so that the first liquid crystal panel 21 can output the reflected light 42 having the first polarization state. Then, the reflected light 42 having the first polarization state can propagate through the first polarizer 11, thereby enabling the user perception of the multi-state indicator device to be observed.
[0063] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention through study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
[0064] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single element or other unit can perform the functions of several items described in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.
[0065] Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims
1. A multi-state indicating device (10), characterized by, comprising a first polarizer (11) configured to, in use, receive incident light (40) and transmit the incident light (40) having a first polarization state; a liquid crystal panel assembly (20) comprising a first liquid crystal panel (21) configured to, in use, enable the incident light (40) from the first polarizer (11) to propagate through the first liquid crystal panel (21) and, when in a first mode of operation, maintain the polarization state of the incident light (40) propagating through the first liquid crystal panel (21) and, when in a second mode of operation, change the polarization state of the incident light (40) propagating through the first liquid crystal panel (21); a second polarizer (12) configured to, in use, receive and transmit the incident light (40) from the first liquid crystal panel (21) having a second polarization state, the second polarization state being the same as the first polarization state; a pattern layer (30) having a predetermined first pattern (31), the pattern layer (30) being positioned such that, in use, the first pattern (31) receives the incident light (40) having the second polarization state from the second polarizer (12) and the first pattern (31) reflects the incident light (40) having the second polarization state towards the second polarizer (12), the reflected light (42) in turn passing through the second polarizer (12), the first liquid crystal panel (21) in the first mode of operation and the first polarizer (11).
2. The multi-state indicating device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising: a third polarizer (13) configured to, in use, receive and transmit the incident light (40) from the first liquid crystal panel (21) having a third polarization state, the third polarization state being orthogonal to the first polarization state; wherein the pattern layer (30) has a predetermined second pattern (32), the pattern layer (30) being positioned such that, in use, the second pattern (32) receives the incident light (40) having the third polarization state from the third polarizer (13) and the second pattern (32) reflects the incident light (40) having the third polarization state towards the third polarizer (13), the reflected light (42) in turn passing through the third polarizer (13), the first liquid crystal panel (21) in the second mode of operation and the first polarizer (11).
3. The multi-state indicating device of claim 1, wherein, the first pattern (31) specularly reflects the incident light (40).
4. The multi-state indicating device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, the first pattern (31) comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape.
5. The multi-state indicating device of claim 2, wherein, the second pattern (32) comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape.
6. The multi-state indicating device of claim 2 or 5, wherein, the first pattern (31) and the second pattern (32) partially overlap or do not overlap.
7. The multi-state indicating device of any of claims 1-3 and 5, wherein, the first liquid crystal panel (21) is electrically connected to a power source (50) and the first mode of operation corresponds to the power source being turned on and the second mode of operation corresponds to the power source being turned off.
8. A multi-state indicating device (10), characterized by comprising a first polariser (11) configured to, in use, receive incident light (40) and transmit the incident light (40) having a first polarisation state; a liquid crystal panel assembly (20) comprising - a first liquid crystal panel (21) configured to, in use, enable the incident light (40) from the first polariser (11) to propagate through the first liquid crystal panel (21) and, when in a first operating mode, maintain the polarisation state of the incident light (40) propagating through the first liquid crystal panel (21) and, when in a second operating mode, change the polarisation state of the incident light (40) propagating through the first liquid crystal panel (21); - a second liquid crystal panel (22) configured to, in use, enable the incident light (40) from the first polariser (11) to propagate through the second liquid crystal panel (22) and, when in the first operating mode, change the polarisation state of the incident light (40) propagating through the second liquid crystal panel (22) and, when in the second operating mode, maintain the polarisation state of the incident light (40) propagating through the second liquid crystal panel (22); a third polariser (13) configured to, in use, receive and transmit the incident light (40) from the first liquid crystal panel (21) or second liquid crystal panel (22) having a third polarisation state, the third polarisation state being orthogonal to the first polarisation state; a pattern layer (30) having a predetermined first pattern (31) and a predetermined second pattern (32), the pattern layer (30) being positioned to, in use: - enable the first pattern (31) to receive the incident light (40) having the third polarisation state through the second liquid crystal panel (22) from the third polariser (13) and the first pattern (31) to reflect the incident light (40) having the third polarisation state towards the third polariser (13), the reflected light (42) in turn passing through the third polariser (13), the second liquid crystal panel (22) in the first operating mode and the first polariser (11), and - enable the second pattern (32) to receive the incident light (40) having the third polarisation state through the first liquid crystal panel (21) from the third polariser (13) and the second pattern (32) to reflect the incident light (40) having the third polarisation state towards the third polariser (13), the reflected light (42) in turn passing through the third polariser (13), the first liquid crystal panel (21) in the second operating mode and the first polariser (11).
9. The multi-state indicating device of claim 8, wherein the first pattern (31) specularly reflects the incident light (40); and / or the second pattern (32) specularly reflects the incident light (40).
10. The multi-state indicating device of claim 8 or 9, wherein The first pattern (31) comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape; and / or The second pattern (32) comprises a shape or a combination of color and shape.
11. The multi-state indicating device of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first pattern (31) and the second pattern (32) partially overlap or do not overlap.
12. The multi-state indicating device of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first liquid crystal panel (21) and the second liquid crystal panel (22) are electrically connected to a power supply (50), and the first operation mode corresponds to turning on of the power supply and the second operation mode corresponds to turning off of the power supply.
13. An electrical system, characterized by Comprising: The multi-state indication device according to any one of claims 1-7, and A controller configured to control switching of the first liquid crystal panel between a first operation mode and a second operation mode.
14. An electrical system, characterized by Comprising: The multi-state indication device according to any one of claims 8-12, and A controller configured to control switching of the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel between a first operation mode and a second operation mode.