Electronic paper and method of driving the same

Abstract

The application discloses electronic paper and a driving method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of display. The electronic paper comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and an electrophoretic cell located between the first substrate and the second substrate. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper needs to present a full white state, the white particles after convergence can be distributed in the whole sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the white particles after convergence in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full white state is brighter. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presents a full black state, the black particles after convergence can be distributed in the whole sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the black particles after convergence in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full black state is darker. Therefore, the contrast of the electronic paper during display can be effectively improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of display, in particular to an electronic paper and a driving method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] The electronic paper is a new type of display device, which is mainly used in electronic tags, billboards and electronic readers and other devices. The display effect of the electronic paper is close to that of natural paper, which can reduce visual fatigue during reading.

[0003] At present, the electronic paper usually includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and an electrophoretic cell located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrophoretic cell has a plurality of particles (for example, black particles and white particles), and the first substrate and the second substrate can drive the black particles and the white particles in the electrophoretic cell to move along a specified direction, so that the electronic paper can display a corresponding picture.

[0004] However, the contrast of the electronic paper during display is low, resulting in poor display effect of the electronic paper. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides an electronic paper and a driving method thereof. The problem of poor display effect of the electronic paper in the prior art can be solved, and the technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, an electronic paper is provided, including: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and a plurality of electrophoretic cells located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrophoretic cell having a plurality of particles;

[0007] The first substrate includes a first substrate and a plurality of pixel electrodes located on one side of the first substrate, the plurality of pixel electrodes and the plurality of electrophoretic cells correspond one by one, one pixel electrode and the corresponding electrophoretic cell are located in the same sub-pixel region in the electronic paper, and the pixel electrodes in one sub-pixel region include a plurality of sub-electrodes arranged separately;

[0008] Wherein, when the sub-pixel region presents a full black state or a full white state, at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are configured to load different potentials, so that the particles in the electrophoretic cell in the sub-pixel region gather to the side close to the second substrate, and then distribute in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the particles gathered in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different.

[0009] Optionally, the sub-pixel region includes a central region and an edge region located on both sides of the central region.

[0010] The plurality of sub-electrodes in the pixel electrode comprises at least one first sub-electrode in the central region and at least one second sub-electrode in the edge region.

[0011] When the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials respectively, the thickness of the particle gathering in the central region is different from the thickness of the particle gathering in the edge region.

[0012] Optionally, the plurality of particles comprises a plurality of white particles, and the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region are configured to be loaded with different first potentials respectively, so that the thickness of the white particles gathering in the central region is greater than the thickness of the white particles gathering in the edge region.

[0013] Optionally, the first substrate further comprises a light-reflecting layer on the side of the pixel electrode close to the first substrate, and the light-reflecting layer is located in the edge region and outside the central region.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of particles comprises a plurality of black particles, and the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region are configured to be loaded with different second potentials respectively, so that the thickness of the black particles gathering in the central region is less than the thickness of the black particles gathering in the edge region.

[0015] Optionally, the first substrate further comprises a light-absorbing layer on the side of the pixel electrode close to the first substrate, and the light-absorbing layer is located in the central region and outside the edge region.

[0016] Optionally, when the first substrate comprises both the light-absorbing layer and the light-reflecting layer, the light-absorbing layer and the light-reflecting layer are of the same layer but different materials.

[0017] Optionally, in the pixel electrode, the plurality of sub-electrodes are divided into two electrode groups, at least one sub-electrode in one of the electrode groups corresponds to at least one sub-electrode in the other electrode group one-to-one, and the corresponding two sub-electrodes are used to load the same potential.

[0018] Optionally, the pixel electrode further comprises a connecting electrode, and the connecting electrode is electrically connected with the corresponding two sub-electrodes respectively.

[0019] Optionally, the second substrate comprises a second substrate and a common electrode layer on the side of the second substrate, and the first substrate further comprises a thin film transistor electrically connected with the sub-electrodes.

[0020] Optionally, the electronic paper further comprises an insulating barrier wall between the first substrate and the second substrate, the insulating barrier wall is used to divide the space between the first substrate and the second substrate into a plurality of sealed cavities, and the electrophoretic cells are distributed in the sealed cavities.

[0021] In another aspect, a driving method of an electronic paper is provided, characterized in that the electronic paper is applied, and the method comprises:

[0022] When the sub-pixel region presents a full black state or a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, so that the particles in the electrophoretic cells in the sub-pixel region gather towards one side close to the second substrate and are distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the particles gathered in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different.

[0023] Optionally, the sub-pixel region comprises a central region and an edge region located on both sides of the central region; the plurality of sub-electrodes in the pixel electrode comprises at least one first sub-electrode located in the central region and at least one second sub-electrode located in the edge region; and the plurality of particles comprises a plurality of black particles and a plurality of white particles.

[0024] When the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, comprising:

[0025] Different first potentials are applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region, so that the thickness of the white particles gathered in the central region is greater than the thickness of the white particles gathered in the edge region.

[0026] When the sub-pixel region presents a full black state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, comprising:

[0027] Different second potentials are applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region, so that the thickness of the black particles gathered in the central region is less than the thickness of the black particles gathered in the edge region.

[0028] The method further comprises: while the different potentials are applied to the at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, a common potential is applied to the common electrode layer.

[0029] Optionally, the white particles are positively charged particles, the first potential is greater than 0, and when the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, the first potential applied to the first sub-electrode is greater than the first potential applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0030] The black particles are negatively charged particles, the second potential is less than 0, and the absolute value of the second potential applied to the first sub-electrode is less than the absolute value of the second potential applied to the second sub-electrode when the sub-pixel region presents a full black state.

[0031] Optionally, in the pixel electrode, the plurality of sub-electrodes are divided into two electrode groups, at least two sub-electrodes in one of the electrode groups correspond to at least two sub-electrodes in the other electrode group one by one, and the corresponding two sub-electrodes are used to load the same potential.

[0032] When the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0033] Different first potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually increases in the direction close to the other electrode group.

[0034] When the sub-pixel region presents a full black state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0035] Different second potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the absolute value of the second potential loaded by each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually decreases in the direction close to the other electrode group.

[0036] The technical scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application brings at least the following beneficial effects:

[0037] An electronic paper comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and an electrophoretic cell between the two. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper needs to present a full white state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, white particles in the electrophoretic cell can converge to the side close to the second substrate, and the converged white particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the converged white particles in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region with thicker converged white particles in the sub-pixel region has higher reflectivity to external ambient light, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full white state can be ensured to be brighter. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presents a full black state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, black particles in the electrophoretic cell can converge to the side close to the second substrate, and the converged black particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the converged black particles in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region with thicker converged black particles in the sub-pixel region has higher absorption to external ambient light, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full black state can be ensured to be darker. Therefore, the contrast of the electronic paper during display can be effectively improved, and the display effect of the electronic paper is better. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0039] Figure 1 is a film layer structure schematic diagram of an electronic paper provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presenting a full white state;

[0041] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is an effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presenting a full black state;

[0042] Figure 4 is a film layer structure schematic diagram of another electronic paper provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 5 is Figure 4 is a top view of the first substrate of the electronic paper;

[0044] Figure 6 isFigure 4 An effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper shown in a full white state;

[0045] Figure 7 is Figure 4 An effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper shown in a full black state;

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of another electronic paper provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 9 is Figure 8 A top view of the first substrate in the electronic paper shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of an electronic paper provided by an embodiment of the present application. The electronic paper 000 can include: a first substrate 100 and a second substrate 200 arranged oppositely, and a plurality of electrophoretic cells 300 located between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200, the electrophoretic cell 300 having a plurality of particles 301.

[0050] For example, the electronic paper 000 can further include: an insulating barrier wall 400 located between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200. Wherein, the insulating barrier wall 400 is used to separate the space between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 into a plurality of sealed chambers 400a, and one electrophoretic cell 300 can be distributed in each sealed chamber 400a. Here, the electrophoretic cell 300 can include: an electrophoretic liquid 302 located in the sealed chamber 400a, and a plurality of particles 301 dispersed in the electrophoretic liquid 302. It should be noted that the electronic paper 000 can have a plurality of sub-pixel regions 000a, and the plurality of sub-pixel regions 000a can correspond to the plurality of sealed chambers 400a one by one, and each sealed chamber 400a can be located in the corresponding sub-pixel region 000a.

[0051] In the present application, the first substrate 100 in the electronic paper 000 can include a first substrate 101 and a plurality of pixel electrodes 102 located on one side of the first substrate 101. Here, the pixel electrodes 102 can be located on the side of the first substrate 101 close to the second substrate 200. Among them, the plurality of pixel electrodes 102 can correspond one-to-one to the plurality of electrophoretic units 200, each pixel electrode 102 and the corresponding electrophoretic unit 300 are located in the same sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000, and the pixel electrode in each sub-pixel area 000a can include a plurality of sub-electrodes 102a arranged separately.

[0052] Among them, when the sub-pixel area 000a presents a full black state or a full white state, at least two sub-electrodes 102a in the sub-pixel area 000a are configured to load different potentials, so that the particles 301 in the electrophoretic unit 300 in the sub-pixel area 000a gather towards the side close to the second substrate 200, and the thickness of the particles gathered in different regions in the sub-pixel area 000a is different.

[0053] For example, the plurality of particles 301 in the electrophoretic unit 300 can include a plurality of white particles 301a and a plurality of black particles 301b. Assuming that a certain sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000 needs to present a full white state, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 2 , Figure 1 The effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel area in the electronic paper presenting a full white state is shown, after at least two sub-electrodes 102a in the sub-pixel area 000a load different potentials, the white particles 301a in the electrophoretic unit 300 can gather towards the side close to the second substrate 200, and the white particles 301a after gathering can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel area 000a. In this way, the ambient light rays incident on this sub-pixel area 000a can be reflected by the white particles 301a gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200, so that this sub-pixel area 000a can present a full white state. Here, since the thickness of the white particles 301a gathered in different regions in the sub-pixel area 000a is different, the reflectivity of the region with thicker white particles 301a gathered in the sub-pixel area 000a to the ambient light is higher. Therefore, the brightness of the sub-pixel area 000a in the full white state can be ensured to be brighter.

[0054] Assuming that a certain sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000 needs to present a full black state, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 3 , Figure 1The effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper showing a full black state is shown. After at least two sub-electrodes 102a in the sub-pixel region 000a are loaded with different potentials, the black particles 301b in the electrophoretic cell 300 can converge to the side close to the second substrate 200, and the converged black particles 301b can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region 000a. In this way, the ambient light rays that are incident on this sub-pixel region 000a can be absorbed by the black particles 301b that converge to the side close to the second substrate 200, so that this sub-pixel region 000a can show a full black state. Here, because the thickness of the converged black particles 301b in different regions in the sub-pixel region 000a is different, the region in the sub-pixel region 000a in which the converged black particles 301b have a greater thickness has a higher absorption rate of the ambient light rays. Therefore, the brightness of this sub-pixel region 000a in the full black state can be ensured to be darker. In this way, the contrast of the electronic paper 000 in the display state can be effectively improved, so that the display effect of the electronic paper 000 is better.

[0055] In summary, the electronic paper provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a first substrate and a second substrate that are oppositely arranged, and an electrophoretic cell between the two. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper needs to show a full white state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, the white particles in the electrophoretic cell can converge to the side close to the second substrate, the converged white particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the converged white particles in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region in the sub-pixel region in which the converged white particles have a greater thickness has a higher reflectivity of the ambient light rays. Therefore, the brightness of this sub-pixel region in the full white state can be ensured to be brighter. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper shows a full black state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, the black particles in the electrophoretic cell can converge to the side close to the second substrate, the converged black particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the converged black particles in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region in the sub-pixel region in which the converged black particles have a greater thickness has a higher absorption rate of the ambient light rays. Therefore, the brightness of this sub-pixel region in the full black state can be ensured to be darker. In this way, the contrast of the electronic paper in the display state can be effectively improved, so that the display effect of the electronic paper is better.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present application, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4is another schematic diagram of a film layer structure of an electronic paper provided by an embodiment of the present application. The second substrate 200 in the electronic paper 000 can include a second substrate 201 and a common electrode layer 202 located on one side of the second substrate 201. Here, the common electrode layer 202 can be located on the side of the second substrate 201 close to the first substrate 100. The common electrode layer 202 is used to load a common potential, for example, the common potential can be 0 volts. When a certain sub-electrode in the pixel electrode 102 loads a potential, an electric potential difference can be formed between this sub-electrode and the common electrode layer 202, and under the action of the electric potential difference, the particles 301 in the electrophoretic unit 300 can move in the electrophoretic fluid 302.

[0057] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first substrate 100 can include a first substrate 101 and a first electrode layer 102 located on one side of the first substrate 101. Here, the first electrode layer 102 can be located on the side of the first substrate 101 close to the second substrate 200. The first electrode layer 102 is used to load a first potential, for example, the first potential can be 0 volts. When a certain sub-electrode in the first electrode layer 102 loads a potential, an electric potential difference can be formed between this sub-electrode and the common electrode layer 202, and under the action of the electric potential difference, the particles 301 in the electrophoretic unit 300 can move in the electrophoretic fluid 302. Figure 5 is Figure 4 a top view of the first substrate in the electronic paper shown. In the same sub-pixel area 000a, each sub-electrode 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can be a strip electrode, and each sub-electrode 102a can be arranged in parallel. Here, when the shape of the orthographic projection of the sub-pixel area 000a on the first substrate 100 is a rectangle, the extension direction of each sub-electrode 102a can be parallel to the width direction of the rectangle, and the plurality of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can be arranged along the length direction of the rectangle.

[0058] In the present application, the sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000 can include a central area 001 and edge areas 002 located on both sides of the central area 001, and the plurality of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can include at least one first sub-electrode 1021 located in the central area 001 and at least one second sub-electrode 1022 located in the edge area 002.

[0059] In this case, assuming that a certain sub-pixel area 000a presents a full black state or a full white state, when the first sub-electrode 1021 and the second sub-electrode 1022 in this sub-pixel area 000a load different potentials respectively, the particles 301 in the electrophoretic unit 300 in this sub-pixel area 000a can converge to the side close to the second substrate 200, and after the particles converge, the thickness of the particles after convergence in the central area 001 can be different from the thickness of the particles after convergence in the edge area 002.

[0060] In the present application, because the thickness of the particles after convergence in different regions of the sub-pixel area 000a presenting a full black state is different from the thickness of the particles after convergence in different regions of the sub-pixel area 000a presenting a full white state. Therefore, the present embodiment will be illustrated by taking the following two cases as examples:

[0061] The first case is when a certain sub-pixel region 000a in the electronic paper 000 presents a full white state, as shown in FIG. 1A. Figure 6 Figure 6 is Figure 4 An effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presenting a full white state is shown in FIG. 1A. The first sub-electrode 1021 and the second sub-electrode 1022 in the sub-pixel region 000a can be configured to load different first potentials respectively, so that the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the central region 001 is greater than the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the edge region 002. In this case, since the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the central region 001 is greater, the reflectivity of the white particles 301a in the central region 001 to external ambient light is greater. The central region 001 in the sub-pixel region 000a is the main observation area of the user, and therefore, when the reflectivity of the white particles 301a in the central region 001 to external ambient light is greater, the brightness of the sub-pixel region 000a when presenting a full white state can be further improved.

[0062] For example, the white particles 301a in the electrophoretic cell 300 can be positively charged particles, and the black particles 301b can be negatively charged particles. The first potential loaded by the first sub-electrode 1021 in the sub-pixel region 000a is greater than 0, and the first potential loaded by the second sub-electrode 1022 is also greater than 0. In this way, after the first sub-electrode 1021 and the second sub-electrode 1022 load the first potential, an electric field force is generated between the first sub-electrode 1021 and the common electrode layer 202, and an electric field force is also generated between the second sub-electrode 1022 and the common electrode layer 202. The direction of the electric field force is from the first substrate 100 to the second substrate 200. Under the action of the electric field force, the white particles 301a can move in the electrophoretic fluid 302 in the direction towards the second substrate 200, and the black particles 301b can move in the electrophoretic fluid 302 in the direction towards the first substrate 100, so that the white particles 301a gather towards the side close to the second substrate 200, and the black particles 301b gather towards the side close to the first substrate 100. Therefore, only the white particles 301a will gather near the second substrate 200, so as to ensure that the external ambient light incident on the sub-pixel region 000a can be reflected by the white particles 301a gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200, so that the sub-pixel region 000a can present a full white state.

[0063] ​It should be noted that the density of the white particles 301a gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200 can be positively correlated with the magnitude of the electric force. In this way, the first potential loaded on the first sub-electrode 1021 can be greater than the first potential loaded on the second sub-electrode 1022, so that the electric field force generated between the first sub-electrode 1021 and the common electrode layer 202 is greater than the electric field force generated between the second sub-electrode 1022 and the common electrode layer 202. Therefore, after the white particles 301a are gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200, the density of the white particles 301a located in the central region 001 is greater than the density of the white particles 301a located in the edge region 002, and thus the thickness of the white particles 301a gathered in the central region 001 is greater than the thickness of the white particles 301a gathered in the edge region 002.

[0064] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the first substrate 100 can further include a light-reflecting layer 103 located on the side of the pixel electrode 102 close to the first substrate 101. The light-reflecting layer 103 can be located in the edge region 002 and outside the central region 001.

[0065] In this case, since the thickness of the white particles 301a gathered in the edge region 002 is smaller than that in the central region 001 when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full white state, the reflectivity of the white particles 301a in the edge region 002 to external ambient light is smaller. In order to ensure that the reflectivity of each region in the sub-pixel region 000a to external ambient light is relatively uniform, the light-reflecting layer 103 can be arranged only in the edge region 002. In this way, even if the reflectivity of the white particles 301a in the edge region 002 to external ambient light is small, the light that penetrates the white particles 301a among the external ambient light that strikes the edge region 002 can be reflected again by the light-reflecting layer 103. In this way, not only can the uniformity of the sub-pixel region 000a in a full white state be improved, but also the brightness of the sub-pixel region 000a in a full white state can be further improved.

[0066] The second case is when a certain sub-pixel region 000a in the electronic paper 000 presents a full black state, as shown in Figure 7 , Figure 7 is Figure 4The effect diagram of a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper is shown in a full black state. The first sub-electrode 1021 and the second sub-electrode 1022 in the sub-pixel region 000a can be configured to load different second potentials respectively, so that the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the central region 001 is less than the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the edge region 002. In this case, since the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the edge region 002 is larger, the absorption rate of the black particles 301b in the edge region 002 to the external ambient light is larger.

[0067] For example, the white particles 301a in the electrophoretic unit 300 can be positively charged particles, and the black particles 301b can be negatively charged particles. The second potential loaded by the first sub-electrode 1021 in the sub-pixel region 000a is less than 0, and the second potential loaded by the second sub-electrode 1022 is also less than 0. In this way, after the first sub-electrode 1021 and the second sub-electrode 1022 load the second potential, an electric field force is generated between the first sub-electrode 1021 and the common electrode layer 202, and an electric field force is also generated between the second sub-electrode 1022 and the common electrode layer 202. The direction of the electric field force is from the second substrate 200 to the first substrate 100. Under the action of the electric field force, the black particles 301b can move in the electrophoretic liquid 302 in the direction towards the second substrate 200, and the white particles 301a can move in the electrophoretic liquid 302 in the direction towards the first substrate 100, so that the black particles 301b gather towards the side close to the second substrate 200, and the white particles 301a gather towards the side close to the first substrate 100. Therefore, only the black particles 301b will gather near the second substrate 200, so that the external ambient light incident on the sub-pixel region 000a can be absorbed by the black particles 301b gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200, so that the sub-pixel region 000a can present a full black state.

[0068] It should be noted that the density of the black particles 301b gathered on the side close to the second substrate 200 can be positively correlated with the size of the electric field force. In this way, the absolute value of the second potential loaded by the first sub-electrode 1021 can be less than the absolute value of the second potential loaded by the second sub-electrode 1022, so that the electric field force generated between the first sub-electrode 1021 and the common electrode layer 202 is less than the electric field force generated between the second sub-electrode 1022 and the common electrode layer 202. Therefore, after the black particles 301b gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the density of the black particles 301b located in the central region 001 is less than the density of the white particles located in the edge region 002, so that the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the central region 001 is less than the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the edge region 002.

[0069] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first substrate 100 can further include a light-absorbing layer 104 located on the side of the pixel electrode 102 close to the first substrate 101. The light-absorbing layer 104 can be located in the central region 001 and outside the edge region 002. Figure 4 and Figure 7 Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first substrate 100 can further include a light-absorbing layer 104 located on the side of the pixel electrode 102 close to the first substrate 101. The light-absorbing layer 104 can be located in the central region 001 and outside the edge region 002.

[0070] In this case, since the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the central region 001 is smaller than that of the edge region 002 when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full black state, the absorption rate of the black particles 301b in the central region 001 to the external ambient light is smaller. In order to ensure that the absorption rate of the external ambient light in each region of the sub-pixel region 000a is relatively uniform, the light-absorbing layer 104 can be arranged only in the central region 001. In this way, even if the absorption rate of the black particles 301b in the central region 001 to the external ambient light is small, the light that penetrates the black particles 301b in the external ambient light that strikes the central region 001 can be absorbed by the light-absorbing layer 104. In this way, not only can the uniformity of the sub-pixel region 000a presenting a full black state be improved, but the brightness of the sub-pixel region 000a presenting a full black state can be further reduced.

[0071] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first substrate 100 can further include a light-absorbing layer 104 located on the side of the pixel electrode 102 close to the first substrate 101. The light-absorbing layer 104 can be located in the central region 001 and outside the edge region 002. Figure 4 Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first substrate 100 can further include a light-absorbing layer 104 located on the side of the pixel electrode 102 close to the first substrate 101. The light-absorbing layer 104 can be located in the central region 001 and outside the edge region 002.

[0072] It should be noted that the above embodiment is illustratively described by taking the example that the light-absorbing layer 104 is distributed in the central area 001 and the light-reflecting layer 103 is distributed in the edge area 002. In other possible implementations, the light-reflecting layer 103 can be arranged in the central area 001 and the light-absorbing layer 104 can be arranged in the edge area 002. In this case, when a certain sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000 presents a full white state, and the white particles 301a gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the edge area 002 is greater than the thickness of the white particles 301a after gathering in the central area 001. When a certain sub-pixel area 000a in the electronic paper 000 presents a full black state, and the black particles 301b gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the central area 001 is greater than the thickness of the black particles 301b after gathering in the edge area 002. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific distribution positions of the light-reflecting layer 103 and the light-absorbing layer 104.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 8 Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of a film layer structure of an electronic paper provided by the embodiment of the present application. In the pixel electrode 102 in the same sub-pixel area 000a, a plurality of sub-electrodes 102a can be divided into two electrode groups. For example, the two electrode groups can be electrode group A and electrode group B respectively. At least one sub-electrode 102a is distributed in each electrode group, and at least one sub-electrode in one electrode group A can correspond to at least one sub-electrode 102a in another electrode group B one by one. Among them, the two corresponding sub-electrodes 102a are used to load the same electric potential.

[0074] It should be noted that when the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 is even, the plurality of sub-electrodes 102a can be divided into two electrode groups, and the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the electrode group A can be the same as the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the electrode group B. When the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 is odd, after the plurality of sub-electrodes 102a are divided into two electrode groups, one sub-electrode C is distributed between the electrode group A and the electrode group B. Here, the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the electrode group A is still the same as the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the electrode group B. Taking the example that the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 is odd, in the two corresponding sub-electrodes 102a, one sub-electrode 102a is located in the electrode group A, and the other sub-electrode 102a is located in the electrode group B, and the distance between the sub-electrode 102a located in the electrode group A and the sub-electrode C is equal to the distance between the sub-electrode 102a located in the electrode group B and the sub-electrode C.

[0075] ​In the embodiments of the present application, if each electrode group contains at least two sub-electrodes 102a, when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full black state or a full white state, a gradient potential loading mode can be adopted for each sub-electrode 102a in each electrode group.

[0076] For example, when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full white state, each sub-electrode 102a in each electrode group can be loaded with a different first potential, and the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in this electrode group can gradually increase in a direction close to another electrode group. That is, the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can gradually increase in a direction from both sides to the middle. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the white particles 301a gather on the side close to the first substrate 100, the gathered white particles 301a are distributed near the sub-electrodes 102a, and the density of the gathered white particles 301a gradually increases in a direction from both sides to the middle, so that after the black particles 301b gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the thickness of the gathered white particles 301a in the central region 001 is greater than that in the edge region 002. Figure 6 For example, when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full white state, each sub-electrode 102a in each electrode group can be loaded with a different first potential, and the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in this electrode group can gradually increase in a direction close to another electrode group. That is, the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can gradually increase in a direction from both sides to the middle. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the white particles 301a gather on the side close to the first substrate 100, the gathered white particles 301a are distributed near the sub-electrodes 102a, and the density of the gathered white particles 301a gradually increases in a direction from both sides to the middle, so that after the black particles 301b gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the thickness of the gathered white particles 301a in the central region 001 is greater than that in the edge region 002.

[0077] Figure 7 For example, when the sub-pixel region 000a presents a full white state, each sub-electrode 102a in each electrode group can be loaded with a different first potential, and the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in this electrode group can gradually increase in a direction close to another electrode group. That is, the first potential loaded by each sub-electrode 102a in the pixel electrode 102 can gradually increase in a direction from both sides to the middle. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the white particles 301a gather on the side close to the first substrate 100, the gathered white particles 301a are distributed near the sub-electrodes 102a, and the density of the gathered white particles 301a gradually increases in a direction from both sides to the middle, so that after the black particles 301b gather on the side close to the second substrate 200, the thickness of the gathered white particles 301a in the central region 001 is greater than that in the edge region 002.

[0078] It should be noted that when the number of sub-electrodes 102a in the pixel electrode 102 is odd, if the sub-pixel region 000a needs to present a full white state, the first potential loaded by the sub-electrode between the two electrode groups is the maximum potential among the first potentials loaded by each sub-electrode 102a. If the sub-pixel region 000a needs to present a full black state, the absolute value of the second potential loaded by the sub-electrode between the two electrode groups is the minimum potential among the absolute values of the second potentials loaded by each sub-electrode 102a.

[0079] ​Optionally, the first substrate 100 can further include a thin film transistor electrically connected with the sub-electrode 102a. In the present application, the electronic paper 000 can apply a potential to the corresponding sub-electrode 102a through the thin film transistor.

[0080] In the embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 9 Figure 9 is Figure 8 a top view of the first substrate in the electronic paper, the pixel electrode 102 in the first substrate 100 can further include a connecting electrode 102b. The connecting electrode 102b can be electrically connected with the corresponding two sub-electrodes 102a respectively. In this case, when the electronic paper 000 applies a potential to a certain sub-electrode 102a in one electronic group, the electronic paper 000 can simultaneously apply a potential to the corresponding sub-electrode 102a in another electronic group. In this way, the number of thin film transistors in the electronic paper 000 can be effectively reduced.

[0081] In summary, the electronic paper provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and an electrophoretic unit between the two substrates. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper needs to present a full white state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, the white particles in the electrophoretic unit can converge to the side close to the second substrate, and the converged white particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the white particles converged in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region with thicker white particles in the sub-pixel region has higher reflectivity to external ambient light, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full white state can be ensured to be brighter. When a certain sub-pixel region in the electronic paper presents a full black state, after at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, the black particles in the electrophoretic unit can converge to the side close to the second substrate, and the converged black particles can be distributed in the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the black particles converged in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different, and the region with thicker black particles in the sub-pixel region has higher absorption rate to external ambient light, so that the brightness of the sub-pixel region in the full black state can be ensured to be darker. Therefore, the contrast of the electronic paper in display can be effectively improved, and the display effect of the electronic paper is better.

[0082] The embodiments of the present application further provide a driving method of the electronic paper, which can be applied to the electronic paper in the above-mentioned embodiments, and can include the following steps.

[0083] ​When the sub-pixel region presents a full black state or a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, so that the particles in the electrophoretic cell in the sub-pixel region gather to the side close to the second substrate and are distributed in the whole sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the particles gathered in different regions in the sub-pixel region is different.

[0084] Optionally, when the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0085] Different first potentials are applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region, so that the thickness of the white particles gathered in the central region is greater than the thickness of the white particles gathered in the edge region.

[0086] Optionally, when the sub-pixel region presents a full black state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0087] Different second potentials are applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the sub-pixel region, so that the thickness of the black particles gathered in the central region is less than the thickness of the black particles gathered in the edge region.

[0088] Optionally, the driving method can further include: while the different potentials are applied to the at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, a common potential is applied to the common electrode layer

[0089] Optionally, the white particles are positively charged particles, the first potential is greater than 0, when the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, the first potential applied to the first sub-electrode is greater than the first potential applied to the second sub-electrode; the black particles are negatively charged particles, the second potential is less than 0, when the sub-pixel region presents a full black state, the absolute value of the second potential applied to the first sub-electrode is less than the absolute value of the second potential applied to the second sub-electrode.

[0090] Optionally, when the sub-pixel region presents a full white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0091] Different first potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the first potentials loaded by each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually increase in the direction close to the other electrode group.

[0092] Optionally, when the sub-pixel region presents a full black state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region, including:

[0093] Different second potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the absolute values of the second potentials loaded by each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually decrease in the direction close to the other electrode group.

[0094] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working principle of the driving method of the electronic paper described above can refer to the corresponding part in the foregoing structural embodiment of the electronic paper, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] It should be noted that the dimensions of the layers and regions can be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. Also, it can be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "on" another component or layer, it can be directly on the other component or layer, or intervening layers can also be present. In addition, it can be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "under" another component or layer, it can be directly under the other component or layer, or one or more intervening layers or components can also be present. In addition, it can be understood that when a layer or component is referred to as being "between" two layers or components, it can be the only layer or component between the two layers or components, or one or more intervening layers or components can also be present. Similar reference numerals can indicate similar components throughout the specification.

[0096] In the present application, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "a plurality of" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly specified.

[0097] The above description is only optional embodiments of the present application, and is not used to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic paper, characterized in that, include: A first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of electrophoretic units located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrophoretic units having a plurality of particles; The first substrate includes: a first substrate, and a plurality of pixel electrodes located on one side of the first substrate. The plurality of pixel electrodes and the plurality of electrophoretic units correspond one-to-one. Each pixel electrode and its corresponding electrophoretic unit are located in the same sub-pixel region in the electronic paper, and the pixel electrode in the sub-pixel region includes: a plurality of separately arranged sub-electrodes. When the sub-pixel region is in a completely black state or a completely white state, at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region are configured to be loaded with different potentials, so that the particles in the electrophoretic unit in the sub-pixel region converge towards the side closer to the second substrate and are distributed throughout the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the particles after convergence in different regions of the sub-pixel region is different.

2. The electronic paper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-pixel region includes: a central region and edge regions located on both sides of the central region; The plurality of sub-electrodes in the pixel electrode include: at least one first sub-electrode located in the central region, and at least one second sub-electrode located in the edge region; Specifically, when the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode within the sub-pixel region are loaded with different potentials, the thickness of the particles after aggregation in the central region is different from the thickness of the particles after aggregation in the edge region.

3. The electronic paper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of particles includes: a plurality of white particles, wherein the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode within the sub-pixel region are configured to be loaded with different first potentials, such that the thickness of the white particles in the central region after aggregation is greater than the thickness of the white particles in the edge region after aggregation.

4. The electronic paper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first substrate further includes a reflective layer located on the side of the pixel electrode near the first substrate, the reflective layer being located in the edge region and outside the central region.

5. The electronic paper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of particles includes: a plurality of black particles, wherein the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode within the sub-pixel region are configured to be loaded with different second potentials, such that the thickness of the black particles in the central region after aggregation is less than the thickness of the black particles in the edge region after aggregation.

6. The electronic paper according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first substrate further includes a light-absorbing layer located on the side of the pixel electrode near the first substrate, the light-absorbing layer being located in the central region and outside the edge region.

7. The electronic paper according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, When the first substrate includes both a light-absorbing layer and a reflective layer, the light-absorbing layer and the reflective layer are disposed in the same layer but made of different materials.

8. The electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In the pixel electrode, the plurality of sub-electrodes are divided into two electrode groups, and at least one sub-electrode in one electrode group corresponds one-to-one with at least one sub-electrode in the other electrode group, and the corresponding two sub-electrodes are used to apply the same potential.

9. The electronic paper according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pixel electrode further includes a connecting electrode, which is electrically connected to two corresponding sub-electrodes.

10. The electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second substrate includes: a second substrate and a common electrode layer located on one side of the second substrate; the first substrate further includes: a thin-film transistor electrically connected to the sub-electrode.

11. The electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The electronic paper further includes an insulating barrier located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the insulating barrier being used to divide the space between the first substrate and the second substrate into a plurality of sealed chambers, wherein the electrophoresis units are distributed in the sealed chambers.

12. A driving method for electronic paper, characterized in that, Applied to the electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprises: When the sub-pixel region is in a completely black or completely white state, different potentials are applied to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region so that the particles in the electrophoretic unit in the sub-pixel region converge towards the side closer to the second substrate and are distributed throughout the entire sub-pixel region, and the thickness of the particles after convergence is different in different regions of the sub-pixel region.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sub-pixel region includes: a central region and edge regions located on both sides of the central region; the plurality of sub-electrodes in the pixel electrode includes: at least one first sub-electrode located in the central region and at least one second sub-electrode located in the edge region; the plurality of particles includes: a plurality of black particles and a plurality of white particles; the second substrate includes: a second substrate and a common electrode layer located on one side of the second substrate; When the sub-pixel region is in a completely white state, applying different potentials to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region includes: Different first potentials are applied to the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode within the sub-pixel region, so that the thickness of the white particles after aggregation in the central region is greater than the thickness of the white particles after aggregation in the edge region; When the sub-pixel region is in a completely black state, applying different potentials to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region includes: Different second potentials are applied to the first and second sub-electrodes within the sub-pixel region so that the thickness of the black particles after aggregation in the central region is less than the thickness of the black particles after aggregation in the edge region. The method further includes applying different potentials to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region while applying a common potential to the common electrode layer.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The white particles are positively charged particles, the first potential is greater than 0, and when the sub-pixel area is in a completely white state, the first potential applied to the first sub-electrode is greater than the first potential applied to the second sub-electrode. The black particles are negatively charged particles, and the second potential is less than 0. When the sub-pixel region is completely black, the absolute value of the second potential applied to the first sub-electrode is less than the absolute value of the second potential applied to the second sub-electrode.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that, In the pixel electrode, the plurality of sub-electrodes are divided into two electrode groups, at least two sub-electrodes in one electrode group correspond one-to-one with at least two sub-electrodes in the other electrode group, and the corresponding two sub-electrodes are used to apply the same potential; When the sub-pixel region is in a completely white state, applying different potentials to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region includes: Different first potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the first potentials loaded on each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually increase in the direction of approaching another electrode group; When the sub-pixel region is in a completely black state, applying different potentials to at least two sub-electrodes in the sub-pixel region includes: Different second potentials are applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group, and the absolute value of the second potential applied to each sub-electrode in the electrode group gradually decreases along the direction closer to another electrode group.

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