Lenticular Lens Assembly for Mounting on a Display Surface and Mounting Method

Abstract

Lenticular lens assembly for attachment to a display area

The invention relates to a prefabricated lenticular lens assembly (10) for attachment to a display area (100), having: a lenticular lens layer (14) comprising a first surface (20) having a plurality of curved lens portions (22) and a second surface (18) facing away from the first surface (20); a cover layer (12) which faces the first surface (20) of the lens layer (14) at least in some regions; a carrier layer (16) which faces a second surface (18) of the lens layer (14) at least in some regions;
wherein the lenticular lens layer (14), the cover layer (12) and the carrier layer (16) are already at least indirectly connected to each other before the assembly (10) is attached to the display area (100).

The invention further relates to a method for producing a lenticular lens assembly (10).

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A lenticular lens assembly for attachment to a display area, the lenticular lens assembly comprising: a lenticular lens layer including: a first surface including a plurality of curved lens portions, and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a cover layer that faces the first surface of the lenticular lens layer at least in some regions; a filler material between the lenticular lens layer and the cover layer; and a carrier layer that faces a second surface of the lenticular lens layer at least in some regions, wherein the lenticular lens layer, the cover layer, and the carrier layer are connected to each other, and wherein, when attached to the display area and after removal of the cover layer, the filler material is designed to provide an adhesive effect of the lenticular lens assembly to the display area.

14. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover layer is thinner than at least one of the carrier layer and the lenticular lens layer.

15. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover layer has a lower stiffness than at least one of the carrier layer and the lenticular lens layer.

16. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

17. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the carrier layer has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

18. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover layer is flat.

19. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the carrier layer is flat.

20. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the lenticular lens layer is integrally bonded to the cover layer by the filler material.

21. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein a space between the cover layer and the lenticular lens layer is unfilled in some regions.

22. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein: a space between the cover layer and the lenticular lens layer is filled, at least in some regions, with the filler material; and a refractive index of the filler material is less than a refractive index of the lenticular lens layer.

23. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover layer is arranged at a distance from the plurality of curved lens portions.

24. The lenticular lens assembly of claim 1 wherein the lenticular lens assembly is attachable to a display area such that the carrier layer faces the display area.

25. A method of producing a lenticular lens assembly, the method comprising: providing a lenticular lens layer including: a first surface including a plurality of curved lens portions, and a second surface facing away from the first surface; connecting a carrier layer to the lenticular lens assembly, wherein the carrier layer faces a second surface of the lenticular lens layer at least in some regions; arranging a filler material on the first surface of the lenticular lens assembly; and connecting a cover layer to the lenticular lens assembly, wherein the cover layer faces the first surface of the lenticular lens layer at least in some regions, wherein the filler material is arranged between the lenticular lens layer and the cover layer, and wherein, when attached to a display area and after removal of the cover layer, the filler material is designed to provide an adhesive effect of the lenticular lens assembly to the display area.

26. The method of claim 13 further comprising: attaching the lenticular lens assembly to a display area subsequent to the providing, the connecting the carrier layer, the arranging, and the connecting the cover layer, wherein, after removal of the cover layer, the filler material is attached to the display area and an adhesive effect of the lenticular lens assembly to the display area is provided.

27. The method of claim 13 further comprising: producing a plurality of lenticular lens assemblies, including the lenticular lens assembly; attaching one of the lenticular lens assemblies to a first display area such that a side of the assembly from which the cover layer has been removed faces the display area; and attaching another of the lenticular lens assemblies to a second display area such that the carrier layer faces the display area.

28. The method of claim 15 wherein the lenticular lens assemblies are structurally identical.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] The invention is explained below by way of example using the attached schematic figures. Features of the same kind or having the same effect can be given the same reference signs across the figures.

[0089] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a lenticular lens assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0090] FIG. 2 shows the lenticular lens assembly of FIG. 1 in a state attached to a display area.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for producing the lenticular lens assembly of, for example, FIG. 1.

[0092] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method according to a further aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a lenticular lens assembly 10. The lenticular lens assembly 10 (hereinafter also referred to simply as the assembly) extends into the drawing sheet plane, as is also clear from the perspective view of FIG. 2. The illustrations chosen are merely schematic and exemplary. In particular, the individual lens portions 22 explained below could extend obliquely within the X-Y plane, which is also referred to as “slanted” in technical language.

[0094] It can be seen that the assembly 10 has a layered structure. Layers are provided here along a height axis z, along which layer thicknesses discussed herein can also be measured, according to the following sequence: The lowest layer in FIG. 1 is a cover layer 12, the following layer is a lenticular lens layer 14, and the uppermost layer in FIG. 1 is a carrier layer 16.

[0095] The lenticular lens layer 14 is thus arranged between the layers 12, 16 as viewed along the height axis z. The assembly 10 can therefore also be referred to as a sandwich filter, wherein the filter property is provided in a manner known per se by the lenticular lens layer 14. Figuratively speaking, this filters the contents visible to each eye of the viewer, which are displayed by a display area 100 explained below (see FIG. 2).

[0096] All of the layers 12, 14, 16 extend in a horizontal spatial plane (for example in the x-y plane of FIG. 1). They are therefore also perpendicular to the drawing sheet plane.

[0097] The different layer thicknesses are also shown: The carrier layer 16 has a thickness D1, the lenticular lens layer 14 (hereinafter also referred to simply as the lens layer) has a thickness D2 and the carrier layer 12 has a thickness D3. It can be seen that the thickness D3 of the cover layer is significantly less than that of the carrier and lens layers 16, 14. For example, the thickness D3 can be only half the thicknesses D1, D2 of at least one of the other layers 14, 16 or as little as a quarter thereof. The carrier layer 16, but preferably also the lens layer 14, also has a higher stiffness than the cover layer 12. In addition or alternatively to the choice of a comparatively large thickness D3, this higher stiffness of the carrier layer 16 can also be achieved by a suitable choice of material. In general, however, it is also possible to form the lens layer 14 with a small thickness D2, which is, for example, equal to or less than the thickness D3, but preferably not more than the thickness D1. In particular, the lens layer 14 can have a thickness D2 of 0.1 mm or less.

[0098] The carrier layer 16 and the cover layer 12 are both flat and generally smooth. The focus here is on the surfaces of these layers 12, 16 running in the x-y spatial plane. They each form outer sides of the assembly 10.

[0099] The lens layer 14, on the other hand, has only one smooth and flat surface 18. This is the surface referred to herein as the second surface 18, which in FIG. 1 is at the top or faces the carrier layer 16 and rests against it. More precisely, the carrier layer 16 is preferably fully bonded to this second surface 18 of the lens layer 14. The latter is made possible by a correspondingly smooth and flat formation of the second surface 18.

[0100] On the opposite surface 20 of the lens layer 14, referred to herein as the first surface 20, the lens layer 14 is curved in some portions. More specifically, it has a plurality of curved lens portions 22, which in FIG. 1 run along the x-axis, i.e. are perpendicular to the drawing sheet plane (see also perspective view of FIG. 2).

[0101] Along the other axis of the horizontal extent (i.e. along the y-axis), the curved lens portions 22 are lined up next to one another or merge into one another. For reasons of clarity, not all lens portions 22 are given their own reference sign in the figures.

[0102] The lens portions 22 are convexly curved, for example with respect to the second surface 18. In other words, they extend outwards away from this surface 18 or form (for example opposite/out of the layer plane) protruding curved portions at the first surface 20. Further, the lens portions 22 extend in some portions in the direction of the cover layer 12.

[0103] The lens portions 22 thus form a lens array or line array that is known per se. Such lenticular lenses or lenticular filters are available on the market.

[0104] The cover layer 12 faces the multiply curved first surface 18 of the lens layer 14. It is not separately recognisable that the cover layer 12 does not lie against the lens layer 14 or also at least not against curved lens portions 22. However, this is schematically indicated by way of example in one case as a distance A. This distance A can be less than any of the layer thicknesses D1-D3 or at most equal to the thickness D3.

[0105] In this way, the size of the assembly 10 is reduced and it is still possible for the lens layer 14 and in particular its first surface 20 (if required) to be arranged particularly close to a display area 100.

[0106] Furthermore, this distance A allows the optical properties or the refractive behaviour of the assembly 10 to be adjusted reliably and in a defined manner. This depends to a large extent on the material transition between the space Z between the cover layer 12 and the lens layer 14 and the lens layer 14 itself. As shown in FIG. 1, this space Z extends between the flat inner side of the cover layer 12 and the first surface 20. The space Z thus extends in particular into the free space between two adjacent lens portions 22, figuratively speaking into the depressions or valleys which are delimited by two adjacent lens portions 22.

[0107] According to one variant, it is possible that a material is introduced into the space Z. This material then preferably has a lower refractive index than the material of the lens layer 14, for example a refractive index of less than 1.4. The material can be an adhesive material with which the cover layer 12 is connected to the lens layer 14.

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the cover layer 12 and the lens layer 14 (but preferably also the carrier layer 16) are connected to each other via an edge bonding 24. This also preferably runs in the horizontal plane and has a thickness which corresponds at least to the thicknesses of the layers 12-16 to be connected (i.e. at least D2 and D3, optionally also D1). Furthermore, the edge bonding 24 surrounds and/or encircles the assembly 10 at least in some portions. In particular, it can surround and/or enclose the assembly 10 and its layers 12, 14, 16 like a frame.

[0109] A schematic course of such a frame-like edge bonding 24 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2. It is shown that the edge bonding 24 can then also extend in the two-dimensional plane of the assembly 10 or of its individual layers 12, 14, 16. Preferably, the edge bonding 24 allows a sealing of the space Z from the environment and in particular a hermetic seal.

[0110] The space Z can generally also be unfilled (i.e. not filled with any solid or liquid material, but optionally with a gas). Particularly in the context of hermetic edge bonding, a vacuum can also prevail there, or alternatively air or another gas mixture can be provided.

[0111] As also discussed in the general description part, the layers 12 and 16 can be made of a glass material and the lens layer 14 can comprise an acrylate.

[0112] It has thus been shown above that the layers 12, 14 and 16 are connected to each other. In particular, they are bonded to each other, for example directly to each other or by means of the edge bonding 24. The connection is made here in such a way that the assembly 10 is present as a separately manageable module and can be removed from a production line for example in the form of an end product, can be packaged, and, if necessary, shipped. A fixed connection can be understood here to mean that the layers 12, 14, 16 cannot be separated from each other, for example by muscular force, without being destroyed. In particular, forces of at least 100 Newtons may be required to separate the layers 12-16 from each other, but then preferably also not non-destructively.

[0113] Thus, the assembly 10 is present as a single module or fixedly connected unit, even though it is not yet attached to a display area 100. Instead, it may be prefabricated and, if necessary, stored or shipped and then attached to a display area 100 in the manner described below. The latter may be performed, for example, on the production line of a display device or general electronic device that includes the corresponding display area 100.

[0114] It should also be emphasised that, as explained below with reference to FIG. 2, the assembly 10 can be applied to a display area 100 by means of various orientations. In principle, this can be done in such a way that the cover layer 12 is directly opposite the display area 100 or the carrier layer 16. Preferably, these layers 12, 16 are then bonded to the display area 100 (in particular bonded over the full surface).

[0115] If the carrier layer 16 is opposite the display area 100, it can act particularly effectively as a smoothing element as discussed above due to its increased rigidity and, for example, can smooth out any unevenness of the display area 100. The cover layer 12 can also provide such a smoothing effect when attached to the display area 100 (for example, indirectly supported and/or stiffened by the carrier layer 16).

[0116] When the carrier layer 16 faces the display area 100 and is preferably bonded thereto, the cover layer 12 faces outward. In this case, the cover layer 12 forms a smooth outer surface of the assembly 10. This can also form an outermost surface of the display device or delimit the display area 100 to the outside (or also from the outside). In this case, the cover layer 12 is advantageous in that it protects the lens layer 14 from damage and dirt. At the same time, the preferred flat configuration of the cover layer 12 enables easy cleaning and, in particular, easy wiping of the assembly 10 or display area 100.

[0117] In FIG. 2, an alternative configuration is shown in which the assembly 10 is attached to a display area 100 in such a way that the cover layer 12 faces the display area 100 and, in particular, rests against it. Due to the small layer thickness D3 of the cover layer 12, this means that the curved lens portions 22 or the first surface 20 of the lens layer 14 is positioned at a smaller distance from the display area 100 than if the carrier layer 16 were attached to the display area 100 (i.e. than if the assembly 10 were attached to the display area 100 with the opposite orientation).

[0118] As described above, this small distance is particularly advantageous when the pixel density of the display area 100 is high in order to achieve the desired lenticular effect (i.e. to provide the spatial perceptibility of the displayed content).

[0119] In the case of FIG. 2, in which the cover layer 12 is attached to the display area 100, the carrier layer 16 faces outwards. There it forms a particularly reliable protection, especially against mechanical damage, as it has an increased layer thickness D1 and preferably also an increased rigidity.

[0120] It is only schematically indicated in FIG. 2 that the display area 100, which is an LCD display by way of example, has a plurality of individual display regions and, more precisely, display units P1, P2. These are formed in a known manner as individually controllable pixels (in particular LCD pixels). The display area 100 or the display device in which it is installed can have the power supplies and/or control units known in the prior art in order to specify contents to be displayed by the display units P1, P2. The contents are displayed as or by means of light waves generated by the display units P1, P2. The light emitted from each unit P1, P2 is then refracted or optically filtered by the lens layer 14 to achieve the desired lenticular effect in a manner known per se.

[0121] It has thus been shown that, depending on the properties of the display area 100 or also the generally desired properties of a device in which this display area 100 is installed, the assembly 10 can be attached with an elective orientation of the layers 12, 14, 16 in relation to the display area 100. Accordingly, the assembly 10 has a high degree of application flexibility and can therefore also be used with different display areas 100.

[0122] Further, in a final assembly line, less complex manufacturing stations and manufacturing steps are required than if the layers 12, 14, 16 were to be attached to the display area 100 individually. Instead, it is only necessary to determine a desired orientation of the assembly 10 and then attach it to the display area 100 with this orientation in a single manufacturing step.

[0123] It should also be noted that, according to the further embodiments explained in the general description part, it may also be provided that the cover layer 12 is removable from the assembly 10, preferably manually removable and further preferably manually peelable. Then, the cover layer 12 is preferably formed as a film and a material is filled in the space Z. This material can provide an adhesive effect to make the cover layer 12 adhere to the assembly 10. To ensure reliable manual removal, this effect can be deliberately reduced by applying a release agent between the material and the film. When the cover layer film 12 is removed, this release agent can remain at least partially on the film, so that secure adhesion of the assembly 10 with the then exposed side or the exposed material in the space Z to the display area 100 is ensured.

[0124] It is understood that the cover layer film 12 is preferably only removed if the then exposed side or the material there is to be attached to the display area 100. On the other hand, the cover layer film 12 preferably remains on the assembly 10 if this is not the case or if the carrier layer 16 is to be bonded to the display area 100.

[0125] Exemplary method sequences according to aspects of the invention are explained below in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0126] FIG. 3 shows a method sequence for producing the assembly 10 of FIG. 1. In a step S1, the layers 12, 14, 16 are initially produced and/or provided in a separate form.

[0127] In a step S2, the carrier layer 16 is attached to the second surface 18 of the lens layer 14 and is preferably bonded thereto over its entire surface.

[0128] In a step S3, which in principle could also take place before step S2, the cover layer 12 is connected to the first surface 20 of the lens layer 14 via an optional adhesive layer in the space Z of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the layers 12, 14 (optionally also with the cover layer 16) are connected via the edge bonding 24 discussed above. Further alternatively, the cover layer 12 (in particular a cover layer film) is connected to a material located in the space Z by adhesion.

[0129] In a step S4, the assembly 10 is completed, i.e. prefabricated, by the fixed and preferably permanent connection of the layers 12, 14, 16 in the preceding steps S1-S3. The fixed and permanent connection also includes variants in which the cover layer 12 can be removed manually, but the assembly 10 in itself consists of layers 12, 14, 16 secured to one another and can also be transported in this form, for example. In this prefabricated state, the assembly 10 can be transported onwards, for example, to a finishing production line of a display device and/or display areas 100.

[0130] An alternative method sequence, which additionally comprises the dashed steps S5 and S6 shown in FIG. 3, as well as alternative procedures in steps S1-S4, is as follows: In step S1, a concave mould and, more specifically, a negative of the lens layer 14 and in particular of the first surface 20 (i.e. the lens portions 22) is filled with liquid plastic. Preferably, a liquid polymer (for example acrylic) is used.

[0131] In step S2, the carrier layer 16 is placed on the mould from step S1 and aligned, wherein the mould still contains the liquid polymer. The side of the carrier layer 16 with which it is placed on the mould preferably has a preparation or pre-treatment to improve adhesion to or with the polymer. For example, it can have or can be treated with a so-called primer.

[0132] In step S3, the liquid polymer is cured, for example by irradiation with UV light. This causes it to be fixedly connected to the carrier layer 16.

[0133] In a step S4, silicone is applied from the outside to the first surface 20 of the lens layer 14 (in particular after removing the negative mould). The curved lens portions 22 and more precisely the free spaces between them are consequently filled with silicone.

[0134] In a step S5, the cover layer 12 is placed and aligned on the lens layer 14 and the silicone applied thereto.

[0135] In a step S6, the silicone is cured and thus the cover layer 12 and the lens layer 14 are bonded together. However, this is not mandatory. Instead, the silicone may not be fully cured and/or a release agent may be applied between the silicone and the cover layer 12 to allow the cover layer 12 to be manually removed in the manner described herein.

[0136] A possible production sequence in such a finishing production line is shown in FIG. 4. In a step P1, the assembly 10 is provided as a prefabricated module.

[0137] In a step P2, the assembly 10 is aligned according to a desired orientation. This is done in such a way that either the cover layer 12 (or a side from which the cover layer 12 has been removed as an upstream action) or the carrier layer 16 faces the display area 100. Criteria for the choice of orientation have been mentioned above (for example pixel density of the display area 100, required smoothing effects, etc.).

[0138] In a step P3, the assembly 10 is then connected to the display area 100 with the correspondingly defined orientation and preferably bonded thereto over the entire surface. In the case of a removed cover layer 12, the connection can be achieved by adhesion and preferably without an additional adhesive layer.

[0139] In a step P4, the appropriately coated display area 100 is completed and, if not already done, can then be installed in, or connected to a display device. The display device can, for example, have the necessary power supply for the display area 100 and/or the control units required for this (for example, a computer device for controlling the display area 100 for the purpose of presenting desired content).

[0140] The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”