Display device

Abstract

A display device including a driving substrate and an electronic ink layer is provided. The electronic ink layer is disposed on the driving substrate and includes a package structure, an electronic ink material, a light source structure and light shielding structures. The package structure includes an isolation component and a package top layer covering the isolation component. The isolation component surrounds encapsulation spaces, and the electronic ink material fills in the encapsulation spaces to form display units. The light source structure is disposed on the package top layer and includes first electrode structure, second electrode and light emitting units. The light emitting units are disposed between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure and located between the package top layer and the light shielding patterns.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to a display device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Electronic ink displays are a type of reflective display widely used in various products. In low-light environments, the brightness of the screen on such reflective displays may be insufficient for users to see clearly. Therefore, designs incorporating a front-light source module have been proposed for these reflective displays. However, the inclusion of a front-light source module inevitably increases the overall size of the device and limits its application in flexible designs. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a display device having a built-in light source structure that can reduce the overall size of the device.

[0004] The display device of the present invention includes a driving substrate and an electronic ink layer. The electronic ink layer is disposed on the driving substrate and includes an encapsulation structure, an electronic ink material, a light source structure, and a plurality of light-shielding patterns. The encapsulation structure includes a separating member and a first encapsulation layer covering the separating member. The separating member encloses a plurality of encapsulation spaces. The electronic ink material fills the plurality of encapsulation spaces to form a plurality of display units. The light source structure is disposed on the first encapsulation layer and includes a first electrode structure, a second electrode structure, and a light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit is disposed between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure and located between the first encapsulation layer and the plurality of light-shielding patterns.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively located above the plurality of display units.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure extends continuously between and in contact with the plurality of light-emitting units.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of light-emitting units includes a stacked first color light-emitting layer, a second color light-emitting layer and a third color light-emitting layer.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode structure described above includes multiple electrode lines, and these electrode lines contact different of the multiple light-emitting units.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned multiple electrode lines are respectively arranged along the separating member.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned multiple electrode lines cross over multiple display units.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of light-emitting units described above include a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a third light-emitting unit. The first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit are disposed separately.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described second electrode structure includes a first electrode line, a second electrode line, and a third electrode line. The first electrode line contacts the first light-emitting unit, the second electrode contacts the second light-emitting unit, and the third electrode contacts the third light-emitting unit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode line, the second electrode line and the third electrode line are located at at least two conductive layers.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode structure described above is located at another conductive layer site, and the other conductive layer site is located between at least two conductive layers sites.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described display device further includes a planarization layer disposed between at least two conductive layers.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned plurality of light-shielding patterns contact the second electrode structure.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned separating member has an inclined sidewall, and the inclined sidewall is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sidewall of the first electrode structure is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display device further includes a planarization layer. The planarization layer is disposed on the first encapsulation layer and laterally surrounds the first electrode structure.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode structure described above includes a layered portion and a light guide portion. The light guide portion is disposed between the layered portion and the plurality of light-emitting units, and the sidewall of the light guide portion is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned separating member includes a microcup structure or a microcapsule structure.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the materials of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure include transparent conductive materials.

[0023] Based on the above, the display device of the present invention directly sets the light source structure in the electronic ink layer to achieve the effect of optimizing the display effect and reducing the size of the device.

Implementation Method

[0024] FIG1 is a schematic side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display device 10 includes a driving substrate 12, an electronic ink layer 14, a touch layer 16, and a cover plate 18. The driving substrate 12 may include a carrier substrate and driving circuit elements disposed on the carrier substrate, and is used to provide driving signals to the electronic ink layer 14 to realize the display function. The electronic ink layer 14 is disposed on the driving substrate 12. The touch layer 16 may be disposed on the electronic ink layer 14 by means of attachment to provide touch operation function for the display device 10. The cover plate 18 is attached to the touch layer 16 and located on the outside of the display device 10 to provide protection and increase the strength of the device. In some embodiments, the touch layer 16 may be omitted, and the cover plate 18 may be directly attached to the electronic ink layer 14. In some embodiments, a bottom protective plate may be additionally attached to the side of the driving substrate 12 away from the electronic ink layer 14 to increase the mechanical strength of the display device 10.

[0025] The display device 10 is a reflective display device. Specifically, the electronic ink material in the electronic ink layer 14 has the characteristic of reflecting external light, and the electronic ink material can reflect external light to a specified degree under the driving electric field provided by the driving substrate 12, thereby achieving a display effect. In this embodiment, the electronic ink layer 14 has a built-in light source structure LS, and the built-in light source structure LS can be located between the electronic ink material and the outside world. When the display device 10 displays an image, the light provided by the built-in light source structure LS can illuminate the electronic ink material for display purposes. Therefore, when the external light is weak, the display device 10 can use the light provided by the light source structure LS to maintain sufficient display brightness. In other words, the built-in light source structure LS helps to optimize the display effect of the display device 10. In addition, the built-in light source structure LS is directly built into the electronic ink layer 14, and is disposed on the electronic ink layer 14 by bonding or other means. Therefore, the built-in light source structure LS helps to make the display device 10 have a compact device size, which helps to improve the application flexibility of the display device 10.

[0026] For ease of explanation, the following description will use illustrations to illustrate various embodiments of the electronic ink layer with a built-in light source structure, without describing other components in the display device in detail. It will be apparent that the electronic ink layer in the following individual embodiments can be used as a possible embodiment of the electronic ink layer 14 in FIG1, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic ink layer 100 includes an encapsulation structure 110, electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 130, and a plurality of light-shielding patterns 140. The encapsulation structure 110 includes a separating member 112, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116. The first encapsulation layer 114 covers the separating member 112. The separating member 112 encloses a plurality of encapsulation spaces 112U, and the electronic ink material 120 fills the plurality of encapsulation spaces 112U to form a plurality of display units 102. The second encapsulation layer 116 and the first encapsulation layer 114 are located on opposite sides of the separating member 112 to seal the display units 102 therebetween. The light source structure 130 is disposed on the first encapsulation layer 114. The plurality of light-shielding patterns 140 are disposed on the side of the light source structure 130 away from the display units 102. Here, the separating member 112 is, for example, a microcup structure, and each display unit 102 may be composed of electronic ink material 120 in each encapsulated space 112U.

[0028] The electronic ink material 120 includes display particles 122 and a matrix 124 for dispersing the display particles 122. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display particles 122 have light-reflective properties, and the display particles 122 can migrate within the matrix 124 under the influence of an electric field to present different distribution states. Thus, display particles 122 with different distribution states can provide different degrees of light reflection to display an image. In some embodiments, the display particles 122 may include colored display particles adapted to reflect different colors.

[0029] The light source structure 130 is directly fabricated on the first encapsulation layer 114 and integrated into the electronic ink layer 100. In other words, the light source structure 130 is disposed on the first encapsulation layer 114 without bonding, fastening, or other joining methods. In some embodiments, the light source structure 130 can be fabricated on the first encapsulation layer 114 using printing, coating, or similar alternative methods. Therefore, the electronic ink layer 100 integrating the light source structure 130 can achieve a design that provides its own light source without significantly increasing the volume.

[0030] Specifically, the light source structure 130 includes a first electrode structure 132, a second electrode structure 134, a plurality of light-emitting units 136, and a planarization layer 138. The light-emitting units 136 are disposed between the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 134, and are located between the first encapsulation layer 114 and the plurality of light-shielding patterns 140. The planarization layer 138 is disposed between the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 134, and laterally contacts the light-emitting units 136. Both the planarization layer 138 and the light-emitting units 136 can be disposed on the upper surface T132 of the first electrode structure 132, and the upper surface T138 of the planarization layer 138 and the upper surface T136 of the light-emitting units 136 are coplanar. Thus, the second electrode structure 134 can be formed on the common plane of the upper surface T138 of the planarization layer 138 and the upper surface T136 of the light-emitting units 136.

[0031] The first electrode structure 132, the second electrode structure 134, the light-emitting unit 136, the planarization layer 138, and the light-shielding pattern 140 can be formed on the surface of the first encapsulation layer 114 by printing or coating the corresponding materials in a desired layout. In FIG2, the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 134 are both structures that extend continuously between and contact the multiple light-emitting units 136, and can be planar layer structures, but this is not an example of the present invention. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 134 may be a strip structure in the top view. The materials of the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 134 may include transparent conductive materials, which can allow the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 136 to pass through.

[0032] The material of the light-emitting unit 136 can be an organic light-emitting material, and it is a light-emitting material that can be formed on the first electrode structure 132 by printing. In some embodiments, the light-emitting unit 136 may include a stacked first color light-emitting layer 136A, a second color light-emitting layer 136B, and a third color light-emitting layer 136C. The light emitted by the first color light-emitting layer 136A, the second color light-emitting layer 136B, and the third color light-emitting layer 136C includes red light, green light, and blue light. In other words, the light-emitting unit 136 is composed of a stacked structure of a red light-emitting layer, a green light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer. The stacking order of the red light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the blue light-emitting layer of the light-emitting unit 136 can be adjusted according to different needs and is not limited to a specific order. In addition, the thickness of the red light-emitting layer, the green light-emitting layer, and the blue light-emitting layer in the light-emitting unit 136 can also be adjusted according to the characteristics of the light-emitting material, the required light-emitting effect, and other factors. In other embodiments, the light-emitting unit 136 may be composed of two stacked light-emitting layers, or of one or more light-emitting layers combined with a light-converting material (e.g., quantum dots). The light-emitting unit 136 as a whole can be used to emit white light, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, different light-emitting units 136 may emit light of different colors.

[0033] The electronic ink layer 100 uses reflective display technology to achieve the display. Therefore, only the portion of the light from the light source structure 130 that travels towards the display unit 102 is effectively used as display light. The portion of the light from the light source structure 130 that travels away from the display unit 102 may affect the user's viewing quality, such as causing glare. Therefore, a light-shielding pattern 140 is provided above each light-emitting unit 136 to block the light emitted directly to the outside. The light-shielding pattern 140 can directly contact the upper surface T134 of the second electrode structure 134 and overlaps the area of ​​the light-emitting unit 136.

[0034] The position of the light-emitting unit 136 can be adjusted according to different needs, and Figure 2 illustrates this by showing the light-emitting unit 136 located above the separating member 112. Generally, the area of ​​the display unit 102 is the actual display area that can display the image, while the area of ​​the separating member 112 is the area that does not display the image. Since the light-emitting unit 136 is located above the separating member 112, the light-blocking pattern 140 is also located above the separating member 112 and will not block the display area, which helps to maintain the size of the display area.

[0035] FIG3 is a partial top view schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic ink layer 200 of FIG3 can be applied to the display device 10 of FIG1 as an embodiment of the electronic ink layer 14. In addition, the structure shown in FIG3 can also be an embodiment of the electronic ink layer 100 of FIG2 in the top view. For ease of explanation, FIG3 shows that the electronic ink layer 200 includes a display unit 202, an encapsulation structure 210 (only the partition member 212 is shown) and a light source structure 230, but the electronic ink layer 200 may also include other structures omitted in FIG3, such as the first encapsulation layer 114, the second encapsulation layer 116, the light-shielding pattern 140, etc. in FIG2. In addition, the display unit 202 can correspond to an embodiment of the display unit 102 of FIG2 in the top view, the partition member 212 can correspond to an embodiment of the partition member 112 of FIG2 in the top view, and the light source structure 230 can correspond to an embodiment of the light source structure 130 of FIG2 in the top view.

[0036] In Figure 3, the partition member 212 has multiple linear segments L212 extending in different directions in the top view, and these linear segments L212 intersect each other. For example, these linear segments L212 may enclose hexagonal areas as enclosing spaces 212U, and have a honeycomb-like shape. These enclosing spaces 212U are arranged adjacent to each other to define multiple display units 202. In other embodiments, the linear segments L212 may extend in only two directions to enclose multiple quadrilateral areas. Alternatively, the linear segments L212 may extend in three or more directions to enclose areas of various geometries.

[0037] The light source structure 230 includes a first electrode structure 232, a second electrode structure 234, and a plurality of light-emitting units 236. The first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 may be disposed along the separating member 212 and extend continuously between the plurality of light-emitting units 236. As can be seen from the cross-sectional structural design in FIG2, the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 are located at different layers but may overlap each other in the top view. Therefore, the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 are marked in the same pattern in FIG3. In the top view, these light-emitting units 236 are all located above the separating member 212, and the plurality of light-emitting units 236 can contact the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234. The light-emitting units 236 may be located at the intersection point C212 where the linear segments L212 of the separating member 212 intersect, but are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the light-emitting units 236 may be located on the linear segment L212 of the separating member 212. In addition, the distribution density of the light-emitting units 236 can be adjusted depending on the design.

[0038] Although the light-emitting unit 236 is generally disposed between the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 in the cross-sectional structure as shown in FIG2, the light-emitting unit 236 is directly drawn in FIG3 for ease of explanation. Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 236 can be implemented as the light-emitting unit 136 in FIG2, consisting of multiple light-emitting layers or light-emitting layers combined with a light-conversion material. The light-emitting unit 236 is, for example, an organic light-emitting diode, and individual light-emitting layers can be fabricated by printing. The light-emitting unit 236 can emit white light under the driving current provided by the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 for use by the display unit 202. In this embodiment, the area occupied by the separating member 212 is an area that does not originally provide a display function. The light source structure 230 is disposed along the separating member 212 without obstructing the display unit 202. Therefore, the material of the light source structure 230 does not need to be limited to transparent materials. In other words, the first electrode structure 232, the second electrode structure 234, and the light-emitting unit 236 can be made of transparent or opaque materials.

[0039] In other embodiments, as shown in the electronic ink layer 200' of FIG4, the light-emitting unit 236 of the light source structure 230 is configured to overlap the display unit 202. The electronic ink layer 200' includes the display unit 202, the encapsulation structure 210 (only the separating member 212 is shown), and the light source structure 230. In this embodiment, the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 may each include multiple electrode lines, and individual electrode lines may contact several light-emitting units 236. The light-emitting units 236 are located above the encapsulation space 212U surrounded by the separating member 212 and overlap the display unit 202. That is, the light-emitting units 236 are located within the display area of ​​the display unit 202. The electrode lines of the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 extend across multiple display units 202. The light-emitting units 236 and the electrode lines of the first electrode structure 232 and the second electrode structure 234 may be made of transparent material to reduce the degree to which the light source structure 230 blocks the display light. However, since the light source structure 230 can provide light for display and help improve display brightness, when the light source structure 230 is configured as an overlay display unit 202, it is not limited to using a transparent material to make the light source structure 230.

[0040] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of different embodiments of the present invention in a top view. The electronic ink layer 300A in Figure 5 includes an encapsulation structure 210, electronic ink material, a light source structure 330, and multiple light-shielding patterns. For ease of explanation, Figure 5 mainly shows the separating member 212 of the encapsulation structure 210 and the second electrode structure 334 and multiple light-emitting units 336 of the light source structure 330, while other components are omitted. In some embodiments, the electronic ink layer 300A may also include the electronic ink material 120 and the light-shielding pattern 140 shown in Figure 2, and the encapsulation structure 210 may also include the first encapsulation layer 114 and the second encapsulation layer 116 shown in Figure 2. In addition, the first electrode structure in the light source structure 330 may be implemented using an entire electrode layer and is therefore not shown in Figure 5, but this is not a limitation. Specifically, Figure 5 is mainly used to illustrate the arrangement relationship of the separating member 212, the second electrode structure 334, and the light-emitting units 336, but is not used to limit the electronic ink layer 300A to these components.

[0041] In this embodiment, the layout design of the separating member 212 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG3. The light-emitting unit 336 includes, for example, a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are arranged at intervals and provide different colors of light. The individual colors of light emitted by the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C can be mixed to form white light, for example. In FIG5, the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C can be dispersedly arranged along the linear segment L212 of the separating member 212. The first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are, for example, dispersedly arranged on the lower right side of the three display units 202A~202C arranged in the same row direction C, but are not limited thereto.

[0042] The second electrode structure 334 may include multiple independent electrode lines, such as a first electrode line 334A, a second electrode line 334B, and a third electrode line 334C. The first electrode line 334A may contact and be electrically connected to the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second electrode line 334B may contact and be electrically connected to the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third electrode line 334C may contact and be electrically connected to the third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C may be independent of each other to drive light-emitting units 336 of different colors respectively. As shown in FIG5, each of the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C may extend along one of the linear segments L212 of the separating member 212. The first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C may be parallel to each other. The first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B and the third electrode line 334C may cross over the display unit 202, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0043] The electronic ink layer 300B in Figure 6 is similar to the electronic ink layer 300A in Figure 5, and exhibits the configuration relationship of the separator 212, the second electrode structure 334, and the light-emitting unit 336. The light-emitting unit 336 includes a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​Each first light-emitting unit 336A and one of the second light-emitting units 336B are disposed on opposite sides of the corresponding display unit 202, and each second light-emitting unit 336B and one of the third light-emitting units 336C are disposed on opposite sides of another corresponding display unit 202.

[0044] Furthermore, the second electrode structure 334 includes a first electrode line 334A, a second electrode line 334B, and a third electrode line 334C. In this embodiment, the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C are arranged substantially entirely along the separating member 212. Therefore, none of the first electrode lines 334A, the second electrode line 334B, or the third electrode line 334C crosses over the display unit 202. In addition, the first electrode lines 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C are arranged side by side without intersecting or overlapping.

[0045] FIG7 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a light source structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light source structure 330 of FIG7 can be applied to the display device 10 of FIG1 as an implementation of the built-in light source structure LS in the electronic ink layer 14. In addition, the structure shown in FIG7 can also be an implementation of the light source structure 130 in the electronic ink layer 100 of FIG2 and the light source structure 330 in FIG5 and 6. As shown in FIG7, the light source structure 330 includes a first electrode structure 132, a second electrode structure 334, a plurality of light-emitting units 336 and a planarization layer 138. The structure and configuration of the first electrode structure 132 and the planarization layer 138 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG2, and the layout of the second electrode structure 334 in the top view can be referred to the arrangement of the second electrode structure 334 in FIG5 and 6. In addition, FIG7 also shows the setting of the light-shielding pattern 140, for example, the light-shielding pattern 140 is set on the light source structure 330 and located above individual light-emitting units 336.

[0046] For ease of explanation, Figure 7 only shows the first electrode line 334A and the second electrode line 334B of the second electrode structure 334, and only shows the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B of the light-emitting unit 336. Specifically, the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B emit different colors of light, and the layout design of the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B in the top view can be implemented with reference to Figure 5 or Figure 6, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although the cross-sectional structure of Figure 7 does not show the third light-emitting unit 336C and the third electrode line 334C in Figures 5 and 6, the third light-emitting unit 336C and the third electrode line 334C can be implemented using the same design.

[0047] In Figure 7, the first electrode structure 132 extends continuously from and contacts the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B. A planarization layer 138 is sandwiched between the first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 334. Specifically, the planarization layer 138 and the first light-emitting unit 336A are both disposed on the first electrode structure 132, and the thickness of the planarization layer 138 is designed to expose the upper surface T336A of the first light-emitting unit 336A and the upper surface T336A of the second light-emitting unit 336B. The first electrode line 334A and the second electrode line 334B can contact the upper surface T336A of the first light-emitting unit 336A and the upper surface T336A of the second light-emitting unit 336B. Thus, while the first electrode line 334A and the second electrode line 334B are on the same conductive layer in Figure 7, they are arranged side-by-side independently in Figures 5 and 6. This allows the first electrode line 334A and the second electrode line 334B to provide different driving currents to the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B. Therefore, the luminous intensity of the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B can be independently controlled to achieve the desired color temperature adjustment.

[0048] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of various embodiments of the present invention in a top view. The electronic ink layer 400A in Figure 8 includes an encapsulation structure 210, electronic ink material, a light source structure 430, and multiple light-shielding patterns. For ease of explanation, Figure 8 mainly shows the separating member 212 of the encapsulation structure 210 and the second electrode structure 434 and multiple light-emitting units 336 of the light source structure 430, while other components are omitted. In some embodiments, the electronic ink layer 400A may also include the electronic ink material 120 and the light-shielding pattern 140 shown in Figure 2, and the encapsulation structure 210 may also include the first encapsulation layer 114 and the second encapsulation layer 116 shown in Figure 2. Therefore, Figure 8 is mainly used to illustrate the arrangement relationship of the separating member 212, the second electrode structure 434, and the light-emitting units 336, but is not used to limit the electronic ink layer 400A to these components.

[0049] Figure 8 illustrates the configuration relationship between the separator 212, the second electrode structure 434, and the light-emitting unit 336 in the electronic ink layer 400A. The light-emitting unit 336 includes a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C, which are dispersedly disposed on the linear segment L212 of the separator 212. For example, one of the first light-emitting units 336A, one of the second light-emitting units 336B, and one of the third light-emitting units 336C are concentrated near one of the intersection points C212 of the linear segment L212. The proximity of the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C helps to improve the mixing effect of different colors of light.

[0050] In Figure 8, the second electrode structure 434 includes a first electrode line 434A, a second electrode line 434B, and a third electrode line 434C. The first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C respectively contact and electrically connect to the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C can be parallel to each other and extend approximately along the row direction C. Thus, the first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C may extend over the light-emitting unit 336, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C can intersect each other.

[0051] The electronic ink layer 400B in Figure 9 is similar to the electronic ink layer 400A in Figure 8, and exhibits the configuration relationship of the separating member 212, the second electrode structure 434, and the light-emitting unit 336. The light-emitting unit 336 includes a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are dispersedly disposed on the linear segment L212 of the separating member 212. The second electrode structure 434 includes a first electrode line 434A, a second electrode line 434B, and a third electrode line 434C, and the first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C are disposed along the separating member 212.

[0052] In this embodiment, one of the second light-emitting units 336B and one of the third light-emitting units 336C are disposed on the linear segment L212 adjacent to one of the first light-emitting units 336A, such that the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are disposed close to each other, which helps to improve the mixing effect of different colors of light. In addition, the first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C do not cross the display unit 202, and the first electrode line 434A, the second electrode line 434B, and the third electrode line 434C can partially overlap along the linear segment L212.

[0053] FIG10 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a light source structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The light source structure 430 of FIG10 can be applied to the display device 10 of FIG1 as an embodiment of the built-in light source structure LS in the electronic ink layer 14. In addition, the structure shown in FIG10 can be used as an embodiment of the cross-sectional structure of the light source structure 430 of FIG8 and FIG9. For ease of explanation, FIG10 mainly shows only the relationship between two light-emitting units 336 (first light-emitting unit 336A and second light-emitting unit 336B) and other components in the embodiments of FIG8 and FIG9.

[0054] Specifically, the light source structure 430 includes a first electrode structure 132, a second electrode structure 434, a plurality of light-emitting units 336, and a planarization layer 438. The first electrode structure 132 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG2. The first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B are both disposed on the first electrode structure 132, and the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B are used to emit different colors of light. The first electrode structure 132 extends continuously between the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B and contacts the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B.

[0055] The second electrode structure 434 includes multiple electrode lines that contact different portions of the multiple light-emitting units 336. For example, Figure 10 shows that the second electrode structure 434 includes a first electrode line 434A contacting the first light-emitting unit 336A and a second electrode line 434B contacting the second light-emitting unit 336B. The first electrode line 434A and the second electrode line 434B are independent of each other, so the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B can emit light under different driving currents, thereby achieving adjustment of the emission color temperature. As shown in Figure 10, the first electrode line 434A and the second electrode line 434B are located at different conductive layer sites Mx and My, and the planarization layer 438 may include multiple layers to separate the different conductive layer sites Mx and My. Thus, the second electrode lines 434A and the second electrode lines 434B may intersect or overlap in the top view direction, but they do not contact each other and can provide independent electrical transmission paths.

[0056] The planarization layer 438 may include a first planarization layer 438A, a second planarization layer 438B, and a third planarization layer 438C. The first planarization layer 438A laterally surrounds a portion of the first light-emitting unit 336A and the second light-emitting unit 336B. A first electrode line 434A formed by conductive layer sites Mx may be disposed on the first planarization layer 438A. The second planarization layer 438B laterally surrounds the second light-emitting unit 336B. A second electrode line 434B formed by conductive layer sites My may be disposed on the second planarization layer 438B. The third planarization layer 438C covers the second electrode line 434B formed by conductive layer sites My. The thickness of the first planarization layer 438A may be set such that the upper surface T336A of the first light-emitting unit 336A is exposed, so that the first electrode line 434A contacts the first light-emitting unit 336A. Similarly, the thickness of the second planarization layer 438B can be set to expose the upper surface T336B of the second light-emitting unit 336B, allowing the second electrode line 434B to contact the second light-emitting unit 336B. Additionally, the thickness of the third planarization layer 438C can cover the second electrode line 434B, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the light source structure 430 may further include the third light-emitting unit 336C as described in Figures 8 and 9, and the second electrode structure 434 may further include a third electrode line 434C corresponding to the third light-emitting unit 336C, wherein the third electrode line 434C may be located in other conductive layers, and the planarization layer 438 may include an additional planarization layer.

[0057] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of an embodiment of the present invention in a top view. The electronic ink layer 500 of FIG11 includes an encapsulation structure 210, electronic ink material, light source structure 330, and multiple light-shielding patterns. For ease of explanation, FIG11 mainly shows the separating member 212 of the encapsulation structure 210 and the second electrode structure 334 and multiple light-emitting units 336 of the light source structure 330, while other components are omitted. In addition, FIG11 further shows a portion of the peripheral circuit 550 of the light source structure 330, and the peripheral circuit 550 can be connected to the second electrode structure 334. In some embodiments, the electronic ink layer 500 may also include the electronic ink material 120 and the light-shielding pattern 140 shown in FIG2, and the encapsulation structure 210 may also include the first encapsulation layer 114 and the second encapsulation layer 116 shown in FIG2. Therefore, FIG11 is mainly used to illustrate the arrangement relationship of the separating member 212, the second electrode structure 334, and the light-emitting units 336, but is not used to limit the electronic ink layer 500 to these components.

[0058] In this embodiment, the layout design of the separating member 212 is the same as that of the embodiment in FIG3, and the separating member 212 can define multiple display units 202. The light-emitting unit 336 includes a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are each disposed within the display area of ​​the display unit 202. The first light-emitting unit 336A is arranged in a column along the column direction R, the second light-emitting unit 336B is arranged in a column along the column direction R, and the third light-emitting unit 336C is arranged in a column along the column direction R. The first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C are located in different columns. The second electrode structure 334 includes a first electrode line 334A, a second electrode line 334B, and a third electrode line 334C. The first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C each extend along the column direction R and cross over the plurality of display units 202. The first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C extend in different columns.

[0059] The peripheral line 550 may include a first signal line 552, a second signal line 554, and a third signal line 556. The first signal line 552 connects to the first electrode line 334A, the second signal line 554 connects to the second electrode line 334B, and the third signal line 556 connects to the third electrode line 334C. The first signal line 552, the second signal line 554, and the third signal line 556 each extend along the row direction C to connect the corresponding electrode lines together. Therefore, the first signal line 552, the second signal line 554, and the third signal line 556 will intersect with the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C.

[0060] In this embodiment, the light source structure 330 can be designed with the cross-sectional profiles of its individual components as shown in FIG. 7. Thus, the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C are line structures arranged side-by-side on the same layer. Therefore, the intersection point C550 where the first signal line 552, the second signal line 554, and the third signal line 556 intersect at the intersection of the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C can employ a multi-conductive layer structure to prevent these lines from short-circuiting each other.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, the second electrode line 334 may be implemented using the cross-sectional design of the second electrode line 434 shown in FIG10. Thus, the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C can be implemented using the same method as the first electrode line 434A, second electrode line 434B, and third electrode line 434C in FIG10, and are located at different conductive layers. Simultaneously, the first signal line 552, the second signal line 554, and the third signal line 556 can also be located at different conductive layers. Therefore, although the first signal line 552, the second signal line 554, and the third signal line 556 intersect with the first electrode line 334A, the second electrode line 334B, and the third electrode line 334C, they will not contact each other and will remain electrically independent.

[0062] FIG12 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the light source structure in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional structure of FIG12 is used to illustrate one embodiment of the light source structure 330 and the peripheral circuit 550 in FIG11, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the cross-sectional structure of FIG12 mainly presents the possible implementation of the peripheral circuit 550 when the light source structure 330 is implemented in the manner of FIG7. Therefore, the design of FIG12 can be understood with reference to the description of FIG7. Specifically, the light source structure 330 of FIG12 includes a first electrode structure 132, a second electrode structure 334, a light-emitting unit 336, and a planarization layer 138. The first electrode structure 132 and the second electrode structure 334 are disposed on opposite sides of the planarization layer 138, and the planarization layer 138 laterally surrounds the light-emitting unit 336. At the same time, FIG12 shows the intersection point C550 of the third signal line 556 of the peripheral circuit 550 and the first electrode line 334A of the second electrode structure 334.

[0063] As shown in Figure 12, the planarization layer 138 may have a recess C138 at the intersection C550, and the first electrode line 334A of the second electrode structure 334 may extend in accordance with the undulation of the recess C138. An additional separating material 558 may be disposed at the intersection C550 and cover the first electrode line 334A in the recess C138. The third signal line 556 of the peripheral line 550 is disposed on the separating material 558. Thus, the separating material 558 can separate the third signal line 556 of the peripheral line 550 from the first electrode line 334A of the second electrode structure 334, maintaining their electrical independence. The material of the separating material 558 may be the same as that of the planarization layer 138, or it may be another conductive material.

[0064] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement relationship between the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a top view. Figure 13 shows that the electronic ink layer 600 includes an encapsulation structure 210, a light source structure 630, and peripheral circuitry 650. For ease of explanation, Figure 13 mainly shows the separating member 212 of the encapsulation structure 210 and the first electrode structure 632, the second electrode structure 634, and multiple light-emitting units 336 of the light source structure 630, while other components are omitted. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the electronic ink layer 600 may also include the electronic ink material 120, the light-shielding pattern 140, and the first encapsulation layer 114 and the second encapsulation layer 116 of the encapsulation structure 210 shown in Figure 2.

[0065] In this embodiment, the layout design of the separating member 212 is the same as that of the embodiment in FIG3, and the separating member 212 can define a plurality of display units 202, wherein each display unit 202 is filled with the electronic ink material 120 shown in FIG2. The separating member 212, in a top view, may include a plurality of linear segments L212 extending in different directions, and these linear segments L212 may intersect at intersection point C212. This embodiment uses the linear segments L212 to enclose a hexagonal region to define the display unit 202, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the linear segments L212 can enclose regions of different geometric shapes to define the display unit 202.

[0066] The light-emitting unit 336 includes a first light-emitting unit 336A, a second light-emitting unit 336B, and a third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​Each of the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C is disposed within the display area of ​​the display unit 202. Here, one of the first light-emitting units 336A, one of the second light-emitting units 336B, and one of the third light-emitting units 336C are respectively disposed in three display units 202 adjacent to one of the intersection points C212. A plurality of first light-emitting units 336A are arranged in a column along the column direction R, a plurality of second light-emitting units 336B are each arranged in a column along the column direction R, and a plurality of third light-emitting units 336C are each arranged in a column along the column direction R. Furthermore, the first light-emitting units 336A, the second light-emitting units 336B, and the third light-emitting units 336C are located in different columns. Specifically, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the first light-emitting unit 336A, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C can be the same as that in the embodiment of FIG11.

[0067] The first electrode structure 632 includes multiple electrode lines 632L, and each electrode line 632L can extend along the row direction C, traversing above multiple display units 202 and contacting multiple light-emitting units 336. Each electrode line 632L can simultaneously contact at least one first light-emitting unit 336A, at least one second light-emitting unit 336B, and at least one third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​All electrode lines 632L can be connected to one of the signal lines of the peripheral line 650, such as the common signal line 652.

[0068] The second electrode structure 634 includes a first electrode line 634A, a second electrode line 634B, and a third electrode line 634C. The first electrode lines 634A each extend along the row direction C, while the second electrode lines 634B and third electrode lines 634C each extend along the column direction R. The first electrode lines 634A, second electrode lines 634B, and third electrode lines 634C all extend across the multiple display units 202. Each first electrode line 634A may be parallel to the electrode lines 632L of the first electrode structure 632, and each first electrode line 634A contacts and is electrically connected to the first light-emitting unit 336A in the same row. The second electrode lines 634B intersect with the electrode lines 632L of the first electrode structure 632, and each second electrode line 634B contacts and is electrically connected to the second light-emitting unit 336B in the same column. The third electrode line 634C intersects with the electrode line 632L of the first electrode structure 632, and each of the third electrode lines 634C contacts and is electrically connected to the third light-emitting unit 336C in the same column.

[0069] The peripheral line 650 also includes a first signal line 654, a second signal line 656, and a third signal line 658. All first electrode lines 634A can be connected to the first signal line 654, all second electrode lines 634B can be connected to the second signal line 656, and all third electrode lines 634C can be connected to the first signal line 654. Thus, the first electrode lines 634A, second electrode lines 634B, and third electrode lines 634C can be used to transmit different signals.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first electrode line 634A is parallel to the electrode line 632L of the first electrode structure 632. The first electrode line 634A and the electrode line 632L can extend to opposite sides in the row direction C to connect to the first signal line 654 and the common signal line 652 respectively. In other words, at least a portion of the first signal line 654 and at least a portion of the common signal line 652 can be located on opposite sides of the electronic ink layer 600 in the row direction C. The second electrode line 634B and the third electrode line 634C both extend parallel to each other along the column direction R. The second electrode line 634B and the third electrode line 634C can extend to opposite sides in the column direction R to connect to the second signal line 656 and the third signal line 658 respectively. In other words, at least a portion of the second signal line 656 and at least a portion of the third signal line 658 can be located on opposite sides of the electronic ink layer 600 in the column direction R.

[0071] Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the light source structure in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional structure of Figure 14 can be regarded as an embodiment of the cross-sectional structure of the light source structure 630 in the electronic ink layer 600 of Figure 13 cut along one of the electrode lines 632L, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The light source structure 630 includes a first electrode structure 632, a second electrode structure 634, a plurality of light-emitting units 336, and a multilayer planarization layer 638. In addition, Figure 14 also shows light-shielding patterns 140, which are respectively located above the light-emitting units 336. The layout of the first electrode structure 632, the second electrode structure 634, and the plurality of light-emitting units 336 in the top view direction can be referred to the relevant description in Figure 13. In this embodiment, the first electrode structure 632 and the second electrode structure 634 can be implemented using three conductive layer sites MA, MB, and MC. The multilayer planarization layer 638 may include a first planarization layer 638A, a second planarization layer 638B, and a third planarization layer 638C to separate the conductive layer sites MA, MB, and MC. The first planarization layer 638A is disposed between the conductive layer site MA and the conductive layer site MB, the second planarization layer 638B is disposed between the conductive layer site MB and the conductive layer site MC, and the third planarization layer 638C covers the conductive layer site MC and is located between the conductive layer site MC and the light-shielding pattern 140.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first electrode line 634A of the second electrode structure 634 is located in the conductive layer MA. When the light source structure 630 is applied to the packaging structure 210 shown in FIG2, the first electrode line 634A can be directly fabricated on the surface of the first packaging layer 114 by means of printing, coating or other methods. In other words, there may be no adhesive layer between the first electrode line 634A and the first packaging layer 114. The first light-emitting unit 336A in the light-emitting unit 336 is disposed on the first electrode line 634A and in contact with the first electrode line 634A. The first planarization layer 638A is also disposed on the first electrode line 634A to laterally surround the first electrode line 634A, and the upper surface of the first planarization layer 638A is approximately flush with the upper surface of the first light-emitting unit 336A.

[0073] The first electrode structure 632 may include an electrode line 632L. The electrode line 632L is located in the conductive layer MB and is disposed on the upper surface of the first planarization layer 638A and the upper surface of the first light-emitting unit 336A. The electrode line 632L can contact the first light-emitting unit 336A. Thus, the electrode line 632L and the first electrode line 634A contact opposite sides of the first light-emitting unit 336A to provide driving current to the first light-emitting unit 336A.

[0074] The second light-emitting unit 336B and the third light-emitting unit 336C in the light-emitting unit 336 are both disposed on and in contact with the electrode line 632L of the first electrode structure 632. The second planarization layer 638B is also disposed on the electrode line 632L of the first electrode structure 632. The second planarization layer 638B laterally surrounds the second light-emitting unit 336B and the third light-emitting unit 336C, and the upper surface of the second planarization layer 638B, the upper surface of the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the upper surface of the third light-emitting unit 336C are approximately flush.

[0075] The second electrode line 634B and the third electrode line 634C of the second electrode structure 634 are both located in the conductive layer MC, and the conductive layer MC is disposed on the second planarization layer 638B, the second light-emitting unit 336B, and the third light-emitting unit 336C. ​​The second electrode line 634B and the third electrode line 634C can be conductive lines in the conductive layer MC that are not connected to each other. The second electrode line 634B and the electrode line 632L can contact the opposite surface of the second light-emitting unit 336B to provide a driving current to the second light-emitting unit 336B. The third electrode line 634C and the electrode line 632L can contact the opposite surface of the third light-emitting unit 336C to provide a driving current to the third light-emitting unit 336C.

[0076] FIG15 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG15, the electronic ink layer 700A includes an encapsulation structure 710A, an electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 130, and a light-shielding pattern 140, wherein the electronic ink material 120, the light source structure 130, and the light-shielding pattern 140 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG2. The light source structure 130 may include a first electrode structure 132, a second electrode structure 134, and a light-emitting unit 136. The encapsulation structure 710A includes a separating member 712A, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116. The first encapsulation layer 114 covers the separating member 712A. The separating member 712A encloses a plurality of encapsulation spaces 712U, and the electronic ink material 120 fills the plurality of encapsulation spaces 712U to form a plurality of display units 102. The separating member 712A extends between the first encapsulation layer 114 and the second encapsulation layer 116 and has an inclined sidewall S712A. The separator 712A may have a fixed width W712A and a generally parallelogram-shaped cross-section. Therefore, the inclined sidewalls S712A are inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer 114 and are parallel to each other.

[0077] The light-emitting unit 136 is located above the separating member 712A. The light from the light-emitting unit 136 can directly illuminate the display unit 102 or the interface between the separating member 712A and the electronic ink material 120, i.e., the inclined sidewall S712A. The light illuminating the inclined sidewall S712A downwards from the light-emitting unit 136 can be refracted and guided to the display unit 102, which helps to improve light utilization efficiency.

[0078] Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 16, the electronic ink layer 700B includes an encapsulation structure 710B, an electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 130, and a light-shielding pattern 140. The main difference between the electronic ink layer 700B and the encapsulation structure 710A lies in the design of the encapsulation structure 710B. Therefore, in both embodiments, components labeled with the same element symbol can be referenced to each other. The encapsulation structure 710B includes a partition member 712B, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116. The width W712B of the partition member 712B gradually decreases from the first encapsulation layer 114 toward the second encapsulation layer 116. The partition member 712B has inclined sidewalls S712B, and the inclined sidewalls S712B are all inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer 114. However, the partition member 712B is inclined in different directions relative to the inclined sidewalls S712B on both sides. Thus, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 136 shines downwards onto the inclined sidewall S712B and is refracted towards the display unit 102 for use by the display unit 102.

[0079] Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 17, the electronic ink layer 700C includes an encapsulation structure 710C, an electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 130, and a light-shielding pattern 140. The main difference between the electronic ink layer 700C and the encapsulation structure 710B lies in the design of the encapsulation structure 710C. Therefore, in both embodiments, components labeled with the same element symbol can be referenced to each other. The encapsulation structure 710C includes a partition member 712C, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116. The width W712C of the partition member 712C gradually increases from the first encapsulation layer 114 toward the second encapsulation layer 116. The partition member 712C has inclined sidewalls S712C, and the inclined sidewalls S712C are all inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer 114. However, the partition member 712C is inclined in different directions relative to the inclined sidewalls S712C on both sides. Thus, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 136 shines downwards onto the inclined sidewall S712C and is refracted towards the display unit 102 for use by the display unit 102.

[0080] FIG18 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG18, the electronic ink layer 800A includes an encapsulation structure 110, an electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 830A, and a light-shielding pattern 140, wherein the encapsulation structure 110, the electronic ink material 120, and the light-shielding pattern 140 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG2. The encapsulation structure 110 includes a separating member 112, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116 to encapsulate the electronic ink material 120 into a plurality of display units 102. The light source structure 830A includes a first electrode structure 832A, a second electrode structure 834, a light-emitting unit 836, and a planarization layer 838. The planarization layer 838 may include a first planarization layer 838A, a second planarization layer 838B, and a third planarization layer 838C. The light-shielding pattern 140 is disposed on the third planarization layer 838C and located above the light-emitting unit 836.

[0081] The first electrode structure 832A is directly disposed on the upper surface T114 of the first encapsulation layer 114. The first planarization layer 838A laterally surrounds the first electrode structure 832A, and the upper surface of the first planarization layer 838A is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first electrode structure 832A. The light-emitting unit 836 is disposed on the first electrode structure 832A. The second planarization layer 838B laterally surrounds the light-emitting unit 836, and the upper surface of the second planarization layer 838B is substantially flush with the upper surface of the light-emitting unit 836. The third planarization layer 838C laterally surrounds the second electrode structure 834, and the thickness of the third planarization layer 838C may be greater than that of the second electrode structure 834, but is not limited thereto. The light-emitting unit 836 may be implemented using the light-emitting unit 136 in FIG. 2, the light-emitting unit 336 in FIG. 7, or equivalent alternatives. In other words, the individual light-emitting unit 836 can be a white light-emitting unit composed of multiple stacked light-emitting layers, a white light-emitting unit composed of light-emitting layers and light conversion materials, or a light-emitting unit that emits a single color.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first electrode structure 832A can be considered as a light guide portion 850 with a light guiding function. Furthermore, the width W850 of the light guide portion 850 tends to increase as it moves further away from the first encapsulation layer 114, causing the sidewall S850 of the light guide portion 850 to be inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer 114. Therefore, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 836 can be refracted through the sidewall S850 and illuminate the display unit 102.

[0083] FIG19 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG19, the electronic ink layer 800B includes an encapsulation structure 110, an electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 830B, and a light-shielding pattern 140, wherein the encapsulation structure 110, the electronic ink material 120, and the light-shielding pattern 140 can be referred to the relevant description in FIG2. The encapsulation structure 110 includes a separating member 112, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116 to encapsulate the electronic ink material 120 into a plurality of display units 102. The light source structure 830B includes a first electrode structure 832B, a second electrode structure 834, a light-emitting unit 836, and a planarization layer 838. The planarization layer 838 may include a first planarization layer 838A, a second planarization layer 838B, and a third planarization layer 838C. The light-shielding pattern 140 is disposed on the third planarization layer 838C and located above the light-emitting unit 836. Specifically, the main difference between electronic ink layer 800B and electronic ink layer 800A lies in the first electrode structure 832B in the light source structure 830B. The remaining components of electronic ink layer 800B can be referred to the description in Figure 18.

[0084] The first electrode structure 832B includes a light guide portion 850 and a layered portion 852, wherein the layered portion 852 extends continuously on the first encapsulation layer 114, and the light guide portion 850 is disposed between the layered portion 852 and the plurality of light-emitting units 836. The width W850 of the light guide portion 850 gradually decreases from the light-emitting units 836 to the layered portion 852, so that the sidewall S850 of the light guide portion 850 is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer 114. Therefore, similar to the light guiding function of the first electrode structure 832A in FIG18, the light guide portion 850 helps the light emitted by the light-emitting units 836 to be refracted and travel towards the display unit 102, thereby improving the light utilization rate of the electronic ink layer 800B.

[0085] Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic ink layer 900 includes an encapsulation structure 910, electronic ink material 120, a light source structure 130, and a plurality of light-shielding patterns 140. The encapsulation structure 910 includes a separating member 912, a first encapsulation layer 114, and a second encapsulation layer 116. The first encapsulation layer 114 covers the separating member 112. The separating member 912 encloses a plurality of encapsulation spaces 912U, and the electronic ink material 120 fills the plurality of encapsulation spaces 912U to form a plurality of display units 902. The second encapsulation layer 116 and the first encapsulation layer 114 are located on opposite sides of the separating member 912 to seal the display units 902 therebetween. The light source structure 130 is disposed on the first encapsulation layer 114. The plurality of light-shielding patterns 140 are disposed on the side of the light source structure 130 away from the display units 102. Here, the separating member 912 is, for example, a microcapsule structure, and each display unit 902 may be composed of electronic ink material 120 in the individual encapsulation space 912U surrounded by the microcapsule structure. Furthermore, the design of the first encapsulation layer 114, the second encapsulation layer 116, the electronic ink material 120, the light source structure 130, and the plurality of light-shielding patterns 140 can refer to the embodiment of FIG2 above. The light source structure 130, in addition to the design described in FIG2, can be implemented using any one of the light source structures 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 830A, and 830B described in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0086] In summary, in the display device of this embodiment, a light source structure is built into the electronic ink layer, which can provide an active light emission function. At the same time, the light source structure does not need to be attached to the electronic ink layer, which helps to simplify the overall device size. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0087] Figure 1 is an overall side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a partial top view of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partial top view of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of different embodiments of the present invention in the top view direction. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light source structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of multiple embodiments of the present invention in the top view direction. Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light source structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer of an embodiment of the present invention in the top view direction. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light source structure in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the light source structure and the separating member in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention in the top view direction. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the light source structure in the electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic ink layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Drive substrate; An electronic ink layer is disposed on the driving substrate, and the electronic ink layer includes an encapsulation structure, electronic ink material, a light source structure, and multiple light-shielding patterns. The encapsulation structure includes a separating member and a first encapsulation layer covering the separating member. The separating member encloses multiple encapsulation spaces, and the electronic ink material fills the multiple encapsulation spaces to form multiple display units. The light source structure is disposed on the first encapsulation layer and includes: a first electrode structure; a second electrode structure; and multiple light-emitting units disposed between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure and located between the first encapsulation layer and the multiple light-shielding patterns.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are located above the separating member.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively located above the plurality of display units.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure extends continuously between and in contact with the plurality of light-emitting units.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting units comprises a stacked first color light-emitting layer, a second color light-emitting layer, and a third color light-emitting layer.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrode structure includes a plurality of electrode lines that contact different of the plurality of light-emitting units.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrode lines are respectively arranged along the separating member.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrode lines extend over the plurality of display units.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a third light-emitting unit, and the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit are disposed separately.

10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the second electrode structure includes a first electrode line, a second electrode line, and a third electrode line, the first electrode line contacting the first light-emitting unit, the second electrode contacting the second light-emitting unit, and the third electrode contacting the third light-emitting unit.

11. The display device of claim 9, wherein the first electrode line, the second electrode line and the third electrode line are located at at least two conductive layers.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the first electrode structure is located on another conductive layer site, and the other conductive layer site is located between the at least two conductive layers.

13. The display device as claimed in claim 11 further includes planarization layers disposed between the at least two conductive layers.

14. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-shielding patterns contact the second electrode structure.

15. The display device of claim 1, wherein the separating member has an inclined sidewall, and the inclined sidewall is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

16. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the first electrode structure is inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

17. The display device of claim 16 further includes a planarization layer disposed on the first encapsulation layer and laterally surrounding the first electrode structure.

18. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode structure includes a layered portion and a light guide portion, the light guide portion being disposed between the layered portion and the plurality of light-emitting units and the sidewall of the light guide portion being inclined relative to the first encapsulation layer.

19. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separating member comprises a microcup structure or a microcapsule structure.

20. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are made of a transparent conductive material.

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