Autostereoscopic liquid crystal cell, manufacturing method therefor, and display apparatus

Abstract

Provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure are an autostereoscopic liquid crystal cell, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display apparatus. The autostereoscopic liquid crystal cell comprises: an upper substrate assembly, comprising an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; a lower substrate assembly, comprising a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; and an intermediate layer, disposed between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly. The intermediate layer comprises: a lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer; at least one gap control component, disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and liquid crystals that fill gaps among the lens assembly, the at least one gap control component and the lower electrode layer.

Description

Naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell and method for manufacturing the same, display device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of three-dimensional (3D) display, and more particularly to a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell and a display device and a method for manufacturing the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. BACKGROUND

[0002] Naked-eye three-dimensional (stereoscopic) is a display technology that allows viewing of three-dimensional images without the need for wearing glasses, which utilizes liquid crystal displays and special optical structures (such as parallax barriers or lens arrays) to directly deliver different images to the user's two eyes, thereby creating a stereoscopic visual effect. The main advantages of naked-eye three-dimensional include convenient viewing experience, enhanced immersion, ability to view from multiple angles, and wide application prospects, suitable for television, mobile phones, medical imaging and other fields, providing users with a more vivid and realistic visual experience. SUMMARY

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell and a display device and a method for manufacturing the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell to provide a uniform distance distribution between the upper substrate assembly and the lower substrate assembly of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, ensuring the display quality of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell.

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

[0005] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has at least one gap control disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer.

[0006] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has at least one gap control disposed on the surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

[0007] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has at least one gap control in the form of a columnar gap control.

[0008] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has at least one gap control comprising a plurality of gap controls, and the plurality of gap controls are randomly distributed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly.

[0009] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the at least one gap control member in a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer is less than or equal to 10 μm, and the size of the at least one gap control member in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer is less than or equal to 30 μm.

[0010] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens assembly is a plano-convex lens assembly, the plano-convex lens assembly includes a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface is disposed toward the lower electrode layer.

[0011] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gap control member includes a plurality of gap control members, and two or more gap control members of the plurality of gap control members are disposed between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer.

[0012] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper substrate and the lower substrate are glass.

[0013] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are indium tin oxide layers.

[0014] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit further includes an insulating layer disposed on a surface of the lower electrode layer away from the lower substrate.

[0015] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating layer includes a photo-alignment layer.

[0016] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens assembly includes a photo-alignment layer.

[0017] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate layer further includes a sealing assembly disposed peripherally to the lens assembly, the at least one gap control member, and the liquid crystal.

[0018] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, comprising: an upper substrate assembly comprising an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; a lower substrate assembly comprising a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; and 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, the lens assembly being a plano-convex lens assembly, the plano-convex lens assembly comprising a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface being disposed toward the lower electrode layer; at least one gap control disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and liquid crystal filling a gap between the lens assembly, the at least one gap control, and the lower electrode layer.

[0019] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of gap controls, and two or more gap controls of the plurality of gap controls are disposed between each convex lens surface and the lower electrode layer.

[0020] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gap control is disposed on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer; or the at least one gap control is disposed on a surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

[0021] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gap control comprises a plurality of gap controls, and the plurality of gap controls are randomly distributed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly.

[0022] For example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one gap control has a size in a first direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the lower electrode layer less than or equal to 10 μm, and the at least one gap control has a size in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer less than or equal to 30 μm.

[0023] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device. The display device comprises the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell described above.

[0024] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, comprising: providing an upper substrate assembly comprising an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; providing a lower substrate assembly comprising a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; and providing an intermediate layer between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly, wherein providing the intermediate layer between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly comprises: disposing a lens assembly below the upper electrode layer; disposing at least one gap control between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and filling liquid crystal in a gap between the lens assembly, the at least one gap control, and the lower electrode layer.

[0025] For example, the method provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein at least one gap control member is arranged between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly, comprises: forming at least one gap control member on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer; or forming at least one gap control member on the surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

[0026] For example, the method provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises: performing a photo-alignment process on the surface of the lens assembly; and / or arranging an insulating layer on the surface of the lower electrode layer away from the lower substrate, and performing a photo-alignment process on the surface of the insulating layer.

[0027] For example, the method provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises: dispensing a sealant on the periphery of the lower electrode layer and the insulating layer and the at least one gap control member to form a sealing assembly; injecting liquid crystal into the gap formed by the sealing assembly, the at least one gap control member and the insulating layer; and assembling and curing a first unit assembly comprising the upper substrate assembly and the lens assembly with a second unit assembly comprising the lower substrate assembly, the insulating layer, the at least one gap control member, the liquid crystal and the sealing assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described in the following description are only related to some embodiments of the present disclosure, but not limit the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a gap control member process according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a photo-alignment process according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a sealant dispensing and liquid crystal injection process according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an assembly and curing process according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the following will be combined with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure to make a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms "first", "second", and similar terms used in the present disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish different constituent parts. The terms "comprise", "contain", and similar terms mean that the elements or objects before the terms encompass the elements or objects listed after the terms and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are mainly for the purpose of clearly and accurately describing the objects, actions or positions described in a specific reference frame. These directional terms do not mean absolute physical directions, but are defined according to the specific context and description needs in the embodiments. Therefore, when reading and understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is important to focus on how these directional indications are defined and used in the specific context, rather than considering them as absolute physical directions. At the same time, it should also be noted that the same directional indication may have different meanings in different embodiments or application scenarios.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell structure.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the exemplary naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell includes, from top to bottom (e.g., along the arrow direction in the figure), an upper substrate (e.g., a top glass) 11, an upper electrode layer (e.g., an upper indium tin oxide (ITO) layer) 12, a lens assembly (Lens) 13, a liquid crystal (LC) 14, an insulating layer (e.g., a polyimide (PI) layer) 15, a lower electrode layer (e.g., a lower ITO layer) 16, and a lower substrate (e.g., a bottom glass) 17. In addition, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell also includes a sealing assembly 18, which is arranged at the periphery of the lens assembly 13, the liquid crystal 14, and the PI layer 15, and can prevent the liquid crystal from leaking from the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell.

[0041] The inventors of the present disclosure realized that, for example, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell described in FIG. 1 or other naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cells are supported by liquid crystals in the cell gap between, for example, the top glass and the bottom glass. This support is the same as the current TFT-LCD cell process. However, it is difficult to control such a cell gap by liquid crystals alone because liquid crystals are liquid rather than rigid, which can cause non-uniform display of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell.

[0042] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, a display device, and a method of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. Illustratively, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provides at least one gap control between the upper substrate assembly and the lower substrate assembly to provide a uniform cell gap, thereby providing a uniform naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell display.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell includes 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 can be arranged in order from top to bottom (for example, in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

[0045] The upper substrate assembly 22 includes an upper substrate 221 and an upper electrode layer 222 disposed below the upper substrate 221.

[0046] The lower substrate assembly 24 includes a lower substrate 241 and a lower electrode layer 242 disposed above the lower substrate 241.

[0047] The intermediate layer 26 is disposed between the lower substrate assembly 24 and the upper substrate assembly 22. The intermediate layer 26 includes a lens assembly 261 disposed below the upper electrode layer 222; at least one gap control 262 disposed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24; and liquid crystals 263 filling the gap between the lens assembly 261, the at least one gap control 262, and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0048] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap control between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly can provide a uniform cell gap for the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, thereby providing a uniform naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell display.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can be 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 assembly 24.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can be disposed on a surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer 242, i.e., on a surface of the lens assembly 261 away from the upper electrode layer 222.

[0051] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can be disposed on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 and on a surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer 242.

[0052] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap control can be flexibly provided on the surface of the lower electrode layer or the lens assembly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can be a spherical gap control, a mushroom-shaped gap control, or a columnar gap control.

[0054] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the columnar gap control can provide a stable support, and thus can provide a stable and uniform cell spacing. For example, compared with the spherical gap control or the mushroom-shaped gap control, the columnar gap control can more stably maintain a uniform cell spacing.

[0055] Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The at least one gap control 262 can be of other shapes, such as regular or irregular shapes, as long as it can provide, for example, a rigid support between the upper substrate assembly 22 and the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0056] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 includes a plurality of gap controls 262, which can be randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the at least one gap control 262 can be a plurality of gap controls 262, and can be randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24 in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the upper substrate assembly 22, the intermediate layer 26, and the lower substrate assembly 24 are sequentially disposed (e.g., a vertical direction in FIG. 2). For another example, the at least one gap control 262 can be a plurality of gap controls 262, and can be randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24 in a second direction parallel to an upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 (e.g., a horizontal direction in FIG. 2). The inventors of the present disclosure realize that due to the possibility of scattering and / or diffraction of light by the gap control 262, regular arrangement of the gap control 262 (e.g., uniformly arranging the gap control 262 at a certain distance) can cause regular ripples in the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, affecting the display effect of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. In this embodiment, based on the random distribution of the gap control 262 described above, the regular ripples described above can be avoided or reduced, and the display effect of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell can be improved.

[0057] In some embodiments, the density of the gap control members 262 randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24 can be set. For example, the density can be set to 3-15 pcs / mm 2 .

[0058] In some embodiments, the size of the at least one gap control member 262 in a first direction (e.g., the vertical direction in FIG. 2) perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 10 pm, and the size of the at least one gap control member 262 in a second direction (e.g., the horizontal direction in FIG. 2) parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 30 pm. For example, in FIG. 2, the width of the at least one gap control member 262 can be less than or equal to 30 pm, such as 30 pm, 10 pm, 5 pm, etc. The height of the at least one gap control member 262 can be less than or equal to 10 pm, such as 8 pm, 5 pm, etc. The inventors of the present disclosure realize that although a large size of the gap control member 262 can provide stronger or more stable support between the upper substrate assembly 22 and the lower substrate assembly 24, the size of the gap control member 262 can affect the display effect of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. For example, a too large gap control member 262 can increase the possibility of scattering and / or diffraction of light, thereby affecting the display effect of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. In this embodiment, since the size of the gap control member 262 is small, the degradation of the display effect of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell caused by the gap control member 262 can be avoided or reduced.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 261 can be a plano-convex lens assembly (e.g., FIG. 2 shows an example in which the lens assembly 261 is a plano-convex lens assembly), which includes a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface is disposed toward the lower electrode layer 242.

[0060] Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The above-mentioned 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 the corresponding optical functions (e.g., optical focusing, view angle optimization, image enhancement, or prevention of light scattering, etc.) can be achieved. For example, the lens assembly can be a concave lens assembly, such as a plano-concave lens assembly, which can include one or more concave lens surfaces, and each concave lens surface is disposed toward the lower electrode layer. For another example, the lens assembly can be a convex lens assembly, such as the above-mentioned plano-convex lens assembly. For yet another example, the lens assembly can be a combination of a concave lens assembly and a convex lens assembly.

[0061] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can include a plurality of gap controls, and two or more gap controls of the plurality of gap controls can be disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242. In other words, an array of gap controls can be disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242. For example, referring to FIG. 2, three gap controls 262 are disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242. In this way, each lenticular surface can be supported by two or more gap controls, thereby providing a stronger or more stable support.

[0062] As described above, a plurality of gap controls 262 can be disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 such that each lenticular surface is supported by two or more gap controls 262. However, this can require a precise and complex process. For example, it can be necessary to ensure that the gap controls 262 are precisely positioned on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 such that each lenticular surface can be in contact with the corresponding two or more gap controls 262 when, for example, the lenticular assembly and the lower electrode layer 242 are assembled. As such, this approach can be inefficient. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a plurality of gap controls 262 can be disposed on each lenticular surface such that each lenticular surface is supported by two or more gap controls 262.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, two or more gap controls can provide a more stable support, thereby providing a stable and uniform cell spacing.

[0064] Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, one or more gap controls 262 can be disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242. For another example, one or more gap controls 262 can be disposed between some lenticular surfaces and the lower electrode layer 242, and no gap controls 262 can be disposed between other lenticular surfaces and the lower electrode layer 242. In other aspects, the number of gap controls 262 disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242 can be the same or different.

[0065] In some embodiments, the upper substrate 221 and the lower substrate 241 can be glass or other transparent materials.

[0066] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a high transparency can be provided for the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell.

[0067] Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the upper substrate 221 and the lower substrate 241 can be other materials. For example, the upper substrate can be strengthened glass, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), etc. In some applications, plastic can reduce weight and increase impact resistance. For another example, the lower substrate can be a ceramic substrate or a plastic substrate. In some applications, e.g., flexible displays, ceramic can provide better thermal stability.

[0068] In some embodiments, the upper electrode layer 222 and the lower electrode layer 242 can be indium tin oxide (ITO) layers.

[0069] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, high transparency, good electrical conductivity, chemical stability, etc. can be provided for the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit.

[0070] Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer can be silver nanowires, conductive polymers (e.g., PEDOT:PSS), etc. These materials can be used as alternatives to transparent conductive electrodes, especially in flexible and wearable devices.

[0071] In some embodiments, optionally, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit can further include an insulation layer 264 disposed on a surface of the lower electrode layer 242 distal from the lower substrate 241. Illustratively, the insulation layer 264 can be a polyimide (PI) layer, a polyester (PET) layer, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer, etc.

[0072] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, good insulation performance and heat resistance can be provided for the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit.

[0073] In additional aspects, the at least one gap control member 262 can be disposed directly on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 (i.e., on a surface of the lower electrode layer 242 distal from the lower substrate 241) through the insulation layer 264, or the at least one gap control member 262 can be disposed directly on a surface of the insulation layer distal from the lower electrode layer 242.

[0074] In some embodiments, the insulation layer 264 includes a photo-alignment layer.

[0075] In some embodiments, the lens assembly 261 includes a photo-alignment layer.

[0076] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, photo-alignment can be provided on the insulation layer (lower substrate side) and / or the lens assembly (upper substrate side), thereby achieving high-quality image display, and many risks such as non-uniform LC alignment, particles, scratches, ESD, and rubbing mura, etc. existing in the LC alignment of the traditional rubbing method can be avoided.

[0077] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 26 further comprises a sealing component 265 disposed peripherally to the lens component 261, the at least one gap control 262, and the liquid crystal 263. Exemplarily, the sealing component can be silicone, polyurethane sealant, or the like.

[0078] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, good sealing performance can be provided to prevent liquid crystal leakage and environmental influences.

[0079] In some embodiments, various components or parts described with reference to FIG. 2 can be transparent. In addition, the at least one gap control can have different colors, such as transparent or black, and the like.

[0080] It can be understood that aspects of the structure of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell shown in FIG. 2 are merely exemplary, and the structure of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell in FIG. 2 can be modified as needed. For example, more or fewer layers or components of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell in FIG. 2 can be added or reduced. For another example, layers or components of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell in FIG. 2 can be replaced by other layers or components.

[0081] The inventors of the present disclosure realized that in a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, there are various kinds of lens components, such as a plano-convex lens component, a plano-concave lens component, or other shaped lens components. Among them, the plano-convex lens component is widely used. However, in a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell using a plano-convex lens component, the gap of such a cell is controlled only by liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal has the characteristic of weak support due to its liquid property, which can cause the moving naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell to display unevenly, and thus an improved naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell is needed.

[0082] In view of this, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides another naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell. The other naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2, the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell comprises an upper substrate component 22, a lower substrate component 24, and an intermediate layer 26. The upper substrate component 22 comprises an upper substrate 221 and an upper electrode layer 222 disposed below the upper substrate 221. The lower substrate component 24 comprises a lower substrate 241 and a lower electrode layer 242 disposed above the lower substrate 241. The intermediate layer 26 is disposed between the lower substrate component 24 and the upper substrate component 22. The intermediate layer 26 comprises a lens component 261 disposed below the upper electrode layer 222, the lens component 261 being a plano-convex lens component, the plano-convex lens component comprising a plurality of convex lens surfaces, and each convex lens surface being disposed toward the lower electrode layer 242. The intermediate layer 26 further comprises at least one gap control 262 disposed between the lens component 261 and the lower substrate component 24. The intermediate layer 26 further comprises a liquid crystal 263 filling a gap between the lens component 261, the at least one gap control 262, and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0084] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can include a plurality of gap controls, and two or more gap controls of the plurality of gap controls can be disposed between each lenticular surface and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0085] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can be disposed on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242; or the at least one gap control 262 can be disposed on the surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer 242.

[0086] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can include a plurality of gap controls, and the plurality of gap controls can be randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0087] In some embodiments, a dimension of the at least one gap control 262 in a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 10 pm, and a dimension of the at least one gap control 262 in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 30 pm.

[0088] Another additional aspect of the at least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides another naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, which can refer to the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell provided by the at least one embodiment of the present disclosure described above, and will not be described here again.

[0089] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 show schematic diagrams of a manufacturing process of a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of description, the arrows in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 show a direction from top to bottom, which is consistent with the description above.

[0090] An exemplary manufacturing process of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell of the at least one embodiment of the present disclosure can include the following steps.

[0091] Step 1: As shown in FIG. 3A, a gap control process can be implemented on the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 to form the at least one gap control 262. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, a gap control process can be implemented 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 the at least one gap control 262. For example, the shape of the at least one gap control 262 can be formed in various shapes such as a column, a sphere, a mushroom, etc. by different ways such as UV lithography or laser printing, and different materials. In other aspects, the color of the at least one gap control 262 can be unrestricted, for example, can be transparent or black, etc.

[0092] Step 2: As shown in FIG. 4A, a photo-alignment process can be implemented on the surface of the lens assembly 261. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIG. 4B, a photo-alignment process can be implemented on the surface of the insulating layer 264 (e.g., a PI layer). For example, in terms of the photo-alignment process, illumination with light (e.g., polarized ultraviolet (UV) light or other light (e.g., depending on the specific material) shown in FIG. 4A) can be utilized to control the molecular orientation of the corresponding material, thereby enabling regulation of the optical properties of the corresponding material to control the display effect.

[0093] Step 3: As shown in FIG. 5, a sealant dispensing can be performed on the periphery of the lower electrode layer 242 and the insulating layer 264 and at least one gap control 262 to form a seal assembly 265, and a liquid crystal 263 can be injected in the gap formed by the seal assembly 265, the at least one gap control 262, and the insulating layer 264.

[0094] Step 4: As shown in FIG. 6, the cell assembly (e.g., each cell assembly obtained by steps 1-3) of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit can be assembled and cured, thereby obtaining the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit.

[0095] It can be understood that the above manufacturing process is only exemplary, and the order of the steps or the specific operations or processes in the steps can be adjusted as needed. For example, steps 1 and 2 can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously. For another example, the light for photo-alignment in step 2 can be other light or other photo-alignment process. The present disclosure also provides a display device. The display device includes the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device can be an LCD device, an OLED / MicroLED device, etc.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, the method 700 of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit includes steps S710, S720, and S730. Various aspects of the method 700 of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal unit are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 7.

[0098] In step S710, an upper substrate assembly 22 is provided, which includes an upper substrate 221 and an upper electrode layer 222 disposed below the upper substrate 221.

[0099] In step S720, a lower substrate assembly 24 is provided, which includes a lower substrate 241 and a lower electrode layer 242 disposed above the lower substrate 241.

[0100] In step S730, an intermediate layer 26 is provided between the lower substrate assembly 24 and the upper substrate assembly 22.

[0101] More specifically, step S730 includes steps S732, S734 and S736.

[0102] In step S732, a lens assembly 261 is disposed under the upper electrode layer 222.

[0103] In step S734, at least one gap control 262 is disposed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0104] In step S736, a liquid crystal is filled in a gap between the lens assembly 261, the at least one gap control 262 and the lower electrode layer 242.

[0105] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap control between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly can provide a uniform cell gap for the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, thereby providing a uniform naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell display.

[0106] In some embodiments, the at least one gap control 262 can include a plurality of gap controls, which can be randomly distributed between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24.

[0107] In some embodiments, a dimension of the at least one gap control 262 in a first direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 10 pm, and a dimension of the at least one gap control 262 in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242 can be less than or equal to 30 pm.

[0108] In some embodiments, disposing the at least one gap control 262 between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24 can include forming the at least one gap control 262 on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer 242.

[0109] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, disposing the at least one gap control 262 between the lens assembly 261 and the lower substrate assembly 24 can include forming the at least one gap control 262 on a surface of the lens assembly 261 facing the lower electrode layer 242.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method 700 of manufacturing the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell can further include: performing a photo-alignment process on a surface of the lens assembly 261; and / or disposing an insulating layer 264 on a surface of the lower electrode layer 242 distal to the lower substrate 241, and performing a photo-alignment process on a surface of the insulating layer 264.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 700 of manufacturing the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell can further include: performing sealant dispensing on the periphery of the lower electrode layer 242 and the insulating layer 264 and the at least one gap control member 262 to form a sealing assembly 265; performing liquid crystal 263 injection in the gap formed by the sealing assembly 265, the at least one gap control member 262 and the insulating layer 264; and assembling and curing a first cell assembly including the upper substrate assembly 22 and the lens assembly 261 with a second cell assembly including the lower substrate assembly 24, the insulating layer 264, the at least one gap control member 262, the liquid crystal 263 and the sealing assembly 265.

[0112] Other additional aspects of the method of manufacturing the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure can refer to one or more aspects of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell described with reference to FIG. 2 and / or the manufacturing process of the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0113] For example, the display device can be any product or component having a display function, such as a television, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a watch, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a navigator, etc. including a liquid crystal panel.

[0114] The following points need to be explained:

[0115] (1) In the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure, only the structures related to the embodiments of the present disclosure are involved, and other structures can refer to the general design.

[0116] (2) The features in the same and different embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0117] The above description is only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure, and the protection scope of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eye-free three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, 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 including: a lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer; at least one gap controller disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and a liquid crystal filling a gap between the lens assembly, the at least one gap controller, and the lower electrode layer.

2. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one gap controller is disposed on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer.

3. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one gap controller is disposed on a surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

4. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one gap controller is a columnar gap controller.

5. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one gap controller includes a plurality of gap controllers, and the plurality of gap controllers are randomly distributed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly.

6. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, A dimension of the at least one gap controller in a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer is less than or equal to 10 pm, and a dimension of the at least one gap controller in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer is less than or equal to 30 pm.

7. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The upper substrate and the lower substrate are glass.

8. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer are indium tin oxide layers.

9. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The eye-free three-dimensional liquid crystal cell further includes an insulating layer disposed on a surface of the lower electrode layer distal from the lower substrate.

10. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 9, wherein, The insulating layer includes a photo-alignment layer.

11. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The lens assembly includes a photo-alignment layer.

12. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate layer further includes a sealing assembly disposed peripherally of the lens assembly, the at least one gap controller, and the liquid crystal.

13. An eye-free three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, 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 including: a lens assembly disposed below the upper electrode layer, the lens assembly being a plano-convex lens assembly, the plano-convex lens assembly including a plurality of convex lens faces, and each convex lens face being disposed toward the lower electrode layer; at least one gap controller disposed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and a liquid crystal filling a gap between the lens assembly, the at least one gap controller, and the lower electrode layer.

14. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one gap controller includes a plurality of gap controllers, and two or more gap controllers of the plurality of gap controllers are disposed between each convex lens face and the lower electrode layer.

15. The eye-free three-dimensional liquid crystal cell of claim 13, wherein: the at least one gap controller is disposed on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer; or the at least one gap controller is disposed on a surface of the lens assembly facing the lower electrode layer.

16. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one gap controller includes a plurality of gap controllers, and the plurality of gap controllers are randomly distributed between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly.

17. The naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one gap control has a dimension in a first direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer that is less than or equal to 10 pm, and a dimension in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the lower electrode layer that is less than or equal to 30 pm.

18. A display device comprising the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell of any one of claims 1-12 or the naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell of any one of claims 13-17.

19. A method of manufacturing a naked-eye three-dimensional liquid crystal cell, comprising: providing an upper substrate assembly comprising an upper substrate and an upper electrode layer disposed below the upper substrate; providing a lower substrate assembly comprising a lower substrate and a lower electrode layer disposed above the lower substrate; and providing an intermediate layer between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly, wherein providing an intermediate layer between the lower substrate assembly and the upper substrate assembly comprises: disposing a lens assembly below the upper electrode layer; disposing at least one gap control between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly; and filling a gap between the lens assembly, the at least one gap control, and the lower electrode layer with liquid crystal.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, Disposing at least one gap control between the lens assembly and the lower substrate assembly comprises: forming the at least one gap control on an upper surface of the lower electrode layer.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: implementing a photo-alignment process on a surface of the lens assembly; and / or disposing an insulating layer on a surface of the lower electrode layer distal from the lower substrate, and implementing a photo-alignment process on a surface of the insulating layer.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: performing a sealant dispensing on a periphery of the lower electrode layer and the insulating layer and the at least one gap control to form a seal assembly; performing an injection of the liquid crystal into a gap formed by the seal assembly, the at least one gap control, and the insulating layer; and assembling and curing a first cell assembly comprising the upper substrate assembly and the lens assembly with a second cell assembly comprising the lower substrate assembly, the insulating layer, the at least one gap control, the liquid crystal, and the seal assembly.

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