Privacy elements and privacy display devices

Abstract

This invention proposes a privacy element and a privacy display device. The privacy element includes a first substrate, a first privacy electrode, first to fourth pads, a connecting electrode, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a second privacy electrode, and a sealant. The first privacy electrode and the connecting electrode are disposed on the first substrate. The first and second pads are coupled to the first privacy electrode, and the third and fourth pads are coupled to the connecting electrode. The first and second pads are both located between the third and fourth pads. The liquid crystal layer and the sealant are disposed between the two substrates, and the sealant contains a plurality of conductors. The second privacy electrode is disposed on the second substrate. The connecting electrode, the sealant, and the second privacy electrode in the non-display area overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate. This provides a low-impedance conduction path to the second privacy electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to privacy elements installed on display devices and privacy display devices. Background Technology

[0002] Monitors are among the most common electronic devices in modern life, used in various scenarios and situations. In some applications, monitors can be equipped with an additional privacy screen. This privacy screen is powered and connected to a controller. When the privacy function is enabled, the privacy screen restricts the monitor's viewing angle within a certain range. How to design such a privacy screen is a topic of concern for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a privacy element having a display area and a non-display area. The privacy element includes a first substrate, a first privacy electrode, first to fourth pads, a first connecting electrode, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a second privacy electrode, and a sealant. The first privacy electrode is disposed on the first substrate, with a first portion located in the display area and a second portion located in the non-display area. First and second pads are disposed on the first substrate, located in the non-display area and coupled to the first privacy electrode. The first connecting electrode is disposed on the first substrate and located in the non-display area, and is electrically insulated from the first privacy electrode. Third and fourth pads are disposed on the first substrate, located in the non-display area and coupled to the first connecting electrode, with the first and second pads located between the third and fourth pads. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second substrates. The second privacy electrode is disposed on the surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, wherein a first portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the display area and a second portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the non-display area. A sealant is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the sealant includes multiple conductors. The first connecting electrode, the sealant, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first connection electrode is electrically connected to the second privacy electrode via a portion of a plurality of conductors in the sealant.

[0005] In some embodiments, the conductor is a conductive particle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first connection electrode is located between the edge of the first substrate and the first privacy electrode, the first connection electrode surrounds a portion of the periphery of the first privacy electrode, and the two ends of the first connection electrode are respectively coupled to the third pad and the fourth pad.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second portion of the first privacy electrode includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, which are electrically connected to a first pad and a second pad, respectively. The second portion of the second privacy electrode has a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion recessed in a direction from the non-display area toward the display area. The first recessed portion, a portion of the sealant, and the first connecting portion overlap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate, and the second recessed portion, another portion of the sealant, and the second connecting portion overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the privacy element further includes an insulating layer disposed on a first substrate. A second portion of the first privacy electrode, the insulating layer, the sealant, and a second portion of the second privacy electrode overlap in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the privacy shield further includes a second connection electrode, a fifth pad, and a sixth pad, disposed on the first substrate and located in a non-display area. The fifth pad and the sixth pad are coupled to the second connection electrode and disposed between the first pad and the second pad.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second connection electrode is located between the edge of the first substrate and the first privacy electrode, and the two ends of the second connection electrode are respectively coupled to the fifth pad and the sixth pad.

[0011] From another perspective, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a privacy display device having a display area and a non-display area. The privacy display device includes a display panel and the aforementioned privacy element, with the privacy element disposed on one side of the display panel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the privacy display device further includes a circuit board. The circuit board is electrically connected to a first pad and a third pad, wherein when the privacy display device displays an image, the circuit board transmits a first signal and a second signal to the first pad and the third pad, respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, the privacy display device further includes another circuit board electrically connected to the second and fourth pads. When the privacy display device displays an image, the other circuit board transmits a first signal and a second signal to the second and fourth pads, respectively.

[0014] In some embodiments, the privacy element further includes a second connection electrode, a fifth pad, and a sixth pad, disposed on the first substrate and located in a non-display area. The fifth and sixth pads are coupled to the second connection electrode and disposed between the first and second pads. The circuit board is also electrically connected to the fifth pad, wherein when the privacy display device displays an image, the circuit board also transmits a second signal to the fifth pad.

[0015] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a privacy display device according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a top view of the privacy electrode substrate and sealant according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the privacy screen element according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6A , 6B yes Figure 5 Top view of the privacy screen component coupled to the circuit board;

[0020] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the center section AA';

[0021] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the central section line BB';

[0022] Figures 9A to 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the privacy protection element, display panel, circuit board, and system board according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the privacy electrode substrate, sealant, and privacy element of the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11A , 11B It is to bond the circuit board to Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the contact pad assembly of the privacy protection element;

[0025] Figure 11C It involves bonding the two circuit boards to... Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the two pad assemblies of the privacy screen element;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the privacy electrode substrate, sealant, and privacy element of a comparative embodiment;

[0027] Figure 13A , 13B It is to bond the circuit board to Figure 12 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the contact pad assembly of the privacy protection element;

[0028] Figure 14 This is a top view of the privacy electrode substrate and sealant according to the second embodiment;

[0029] Figure 15 This is a top view of the privacy screen element according to the second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 16A , 16B yes Figure 15 Top view of the privacy screen component coupled to the circuit board;

[0031] Figure 17A , 17B yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the privacy protection element coupled to the circuit board;

[0032] Figure 18 This is a top view of the privacy electrode substrate and sealant, based on a variation of the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 19 This is a top view of the privacy screen element based on a variation of the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 20A , 20B yes Figure 19 Top view of the privacy screen component coupled to the circuit board;

[0035] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20A Cross-sectional view of the center section line GG';

[0036] Figure 22 It is along Figure 20A Cross-sectional view of the central section line HH'.

[0037] [Symbol Explanation]

[0038] 100, 200, 300: Privacy display device

[0039] 101-103: Users

[0040] 110, 110A, 110B: Privacy protection element

[0041] 120, 120A, 120B, 120C: Display panels

[0042] 130: Backlight Module

[0043] SUB1,SUB2:Substrate

[0044] D1, D2, D3: Direction

[0045] DA: Display area

[0046] NA: Non-display area

[0047] 400A, 400A-1, 400A-2, 400A-3, 400B, 400B-1: Privacy Electrode Substrate

[0048] 401~404: Edges

[0049] 410: Sealant

[0050] 420, 460, 460A: Privacy electrodes

[0051] 421,461: Part One

[0052] 422, 462, 462A: Part Two

[0053] 422A, 422B: Connecting parts

[0054] 430, 440: Connecting electrodes

[0055] 451,452:Alignment film

[0056] P1~P6, P4-1: Connecting pads

[0057] PS-A, PS-A2, PS-B, PS-B1, PS-B2: Connector Assembly

[0058] 470: Edge

[0059] 471, 472: Depression

[0060] 510,520,910,920: Context

[0061] 530A, 530B, 530B-1, 530C, 530D, 540A, 540B, 540C, 930A, 930B, 1130: Circuit Boards

[0062] 601: Upper surface

[0063] 602, 603: Sealing pads

[0064] 604: Conductor

[0065] 606: Light-shielding layer

[0066] 608: Liquid Crystal Layer

[0067] 700A, 700B, 700C: System Boards

[0068] 720A, 720B, 720C, 720D, 730A, 730B, 730C: Connecting parts

[0069] 1010: Insulation layer

[0070] 1012, 1014, 1016: Insulating blocks

[0071] SIG1: First Signal

[0072] SIG2: Second signal Detailed Implementation

[0073] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this article do not specifically refer to order or sequence; they are merely used to distinguish elements or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a privacy display device according to an embodiment. Please refer to... Figure 1 The privacy display device (also known as a display device with viewing angle adjustment function) 100 includes a privacy element (also known as a viewing angle adjustment element) 110, a display panel 120, and a backlight module 130. The structure of the privacy element 110 will be described in detail below. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the display panel 120 is a non-self-emissive display panel, and the backlight module 130 includes one or more light-emitting units, such as light-emitting diodes or lamps. The backlight module 130 can be, for example, a direct-lit backlight module or an edge-lit backlight module to provide a light source. The display panel 120 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the display panel 120 is disposed between the privacy element 110 and the backlight module 130. In this embodiment, the user 102 may be positioned, for example, directly facing the display panel 120, while the users 101 and 103 may be positioned, for example, on either side of the display panel 120. When the privacy display device 100 enters the first viewing angle mode (also known as the normal display mode or the public display mode), the privacy function is disabled, and users 101 to 103 can clearly see the image displayed on the display panel 120. When the privacy function of the privacy element 110 is enabled, that is, when the privacy display device 100 enters the second viewing mode (also known as the privacy display mode), the viewing angle range can be narrowed. For example, users 101 and 103 cannot see or cannot clearly see the screen displayed on the display panel 120, but user 102 can see the screen clearly. Alternatively, it can be set so that one of users 101 and 103 cannot see or cannot clearly see the screen, but the other user 101 and 103 and user 102 can see the screen clearly; or it can be set so that one of users 101 and 103 and user 102 cannot see or cannot clearly see the screen, but the other user 101 and 103 can see the screen clearly. In this embodiment, the viewing angle range of the first viewing mode is greater than that of the second viewing mode.

[0075] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the privacy display device 200 also includes a privacy element 110, a display panel 120, and a backlight module 130, and... Figure 1 The difference is that the privacy element 110 is located between the display panel 120 and the backlight module 130.

[0076] exist Figure 3In this embodiment, the privacy display device 300 includes a privacy element 110 and a display panel 140. The display panel 140 is a self-emissive display panel, such as an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) panel or a micro-LED panel, thus eliminating the need for a backlight module. In this embodiment, when a user views the image displayed by the privacy display device 300, the privacy element 110 is located between the user (not shown) and the display panel 140. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiments, display panels 120 and 140 include a plurality of pixels, and the plurality of pixels of display panels 120 and 140 receive image signals and are used to display an image. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the privacy element 110 is located on the light-emitting side of the display panels 120 and 140, so as to adjust the light-emitting path of the display panels 120 and 140 after enabling the privacy function of the privacy element, so that the user in the predetermined privacy position cannot see or clearly see the screen displayed on the display panels 120 and 140; while Figure 2 In one embodiment, the privacy element 110 is located on the other side of the display panel 120 opposite to the light-emitting side (i.e., the light-receiving side). After enabling the privacy function of the privacy element 110, the path of the light from the backlight module 130 into the display panel 120 is adjusted so that the user in the predetermined privacy position cannot see or clearly see the screen displayed on the display panel 120.

[0077] [First Embodiment]

[0078] Figure 4 This is a top view of the two privacy electrode substrates and sealant in the privacy element according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 It is an assembly Figure 4 The top view shows the privacy element formed after the two privacy electrode substrates are installed. Please refer to... Figure 4 , 5 The privacy element 110 includes privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B and sealant 410. Figure 4 The image shown is a top view of each component. Figure 5 The sealant 410 in the privacy element 110 is disposed between the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the privacy electrode substrate 400B. Furthermore, the privacy element 110 also includes a liquid crystal layer (not shown), disposed between the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B, and located within the sealed space formed by the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B and the sealant 410, to form a liquid crystal cell. The privacy element 110 has a display area DA and a non-display area NA. For easy identification, Figure 4The privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are labeled to represent the display area DA and non-display area NA of the privacy element 110, respectively. When the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are assembled (or bonded) using sealant 410, sealant 410 is disposed in the non-display area NA. Assembling the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B using sealant 410 means that a liquid crystal layer is disposed between the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B, and the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are bonded together using sealant 410. Therefore, after assembling the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B using sealant 410, the liquid crystal layer is located in the space formed by the privacy electrode substrates 400A, sealant 410, and privacy electrode substrate 400B.

[0079] like Figure 4As shown, the privacy electrode substrate 400A includes a substrate SUB1 and a privacy electrode 420, pads P1 to P4, a connecting electrode 430, a connecting electrode 440, and an alignment film 451 disposed on the substrate SUB1. The privacy electrode 420 includes a first portion 421 and a second portion 422. The first portion 421 is located in the display area DA, and the second portion 422 is located in the non-display area NA. The first portion 421 and the second portion 422 are coupled to each other. Specifically, the first portion 421 of the privacy electrode 420 is disposed in all areas of the display area DA. The connecting electrode 430 is located in the non-display area NA and is disposed between the four edges 401 to 404 of the substrate SUB1 and the privacy electrode 420. The connecting electrode 430 surrounds a portion of the periphery of the privacy electrode 420 and is electrically insulated from the privacy electrode 420. In this example, the connecting electrode 430 surrounds at least the upper edge, left edge, and right edge of the privacy electrode 420. The privacy electrode substrate 400A includes two pad groups PS-A and PS-B. Pad group PS-A includes pads P1 and P3, and pad group PS-B includes pads P2 and P4. Pads P1 to P4 are all located in the non-display area NA. Pads P1 and P2 are coupled to the privacy electrode 420, and pads P3 and P4 are coupled to the connecting electrode 430. In this embodiment, the second part 422 of the privacy electrode 420 includes connecting portions 422A and 422B. Pads P1 and P2 are coupled to connecting portions 422A and 422B, respectively. One end of the connecting electrode 430 is connected to pad P3, and the other end is connected to pad P4. Pads P3, P1, P2, and P4 are disposed between the lower edge of the display area DA and the lower edge 401 of the substrate SUB1, and are arranged sequentially along direction D1. Therefore, pads P1 and P2 coupled to the privacy electrode 420 are located between pads P3 and P4 coupled to the connecting electrode 430 in direction D1. That is, the arrangement of the pads electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420 and the connecting electrode 430 in pad group PS-A is mirror-symmetrical to the arrangement of the pads electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420 and the connecting electrode 430 in pad group PS-B. The advantages of the above-mentioned mirror-symmetrical arrangement will be explained in detail later. The connecting electrode 440 is located between the edge 401 of the substrate SUB1 and the privacy electrode 420 in direction D2, and between the connecting portions 422A and 422B in direction D1. The connecting electrode 440 is electrically insulated from the privacy electrode 420. Although the connecting electrode 430 and the connecting electrode 440 in the privacy electrode substrate 400A are separate from each other, the connecting electrode 440 can be electrically connected to the connecting electrode 430 through the conductor in the sealant 410 and the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. For a detailed description of this part, please refer to the following description.From another perspective, the connecting electrode 430 surrounds the upper, left, and right edges of the privacy electrode 420, while the connecting electrode 440 is disposed at the lower edge of the privacy electrode 420. The connecting electrode 440 and the pads P1 to P4 are disposed on the same side of the privacy electrode 420. In some embodiments, the privacy electrode substrate 400A may not include the connecting electrode 440. In this embodiment, the substrate SUB1 is a light-transmitting substrate, and the privacy electrode 420, the pads P1 to P4, and the connecting electrodes 430 and 440 may be formed from the same transparent conductive layer. For example, the substrate SUB1 may be, for example, a glass substrate, and the material of the transparent conductive layer may be, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but the materials of the substrate SUB1 and the transparent conductive layer are not limited thereto. In this embodiment, a transparent conductive material layer can be formed on the substrate SUB1, and then a patterning process (e.g., including photolithography and etching steps) can be performed on the transparent conductive material layer to form the privacy electrode 420, the pads P1 to P4, and the connecting electrodes 430 and 440. However, the method of forming the privacy electrode 420, the pads P1 to P4, and the connecting electrodes 430 and 440 is not limited to this.

[0080] The privacy electrode substrate 400B includes a substrate SUB2 and an alignment film 452 and a privacy electrode 460 disposed on the substrate SUB2. The privacy electrode substrate 400B may further include a light-shielding layer 606, such as a black matrix layer, disposed on the substrate SUB2 and located in the non-display area NA. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 606 may be disposed in the privacy electrode substrate 400A, or the privacy element 110 may not include a light-shielding layer. For the sake of brevity, Figure 5 Alignment films 451 and 452 and light-shielding layer 606 are omitted from the drawing. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the privacy electrode substrate 400B may also include multiple spacers (not shown) disposed on substrate SUB2. After the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are assembled using sealant 410, the spacers are located between the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B and are used to maintain the gap between the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B. Because Figure 5 In the privacy element 110, the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are arranged facing each other, and the liquid crystal layer (not shown) is located between the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B. Figure 4The privacy electrode 420, pads P1-P4, connecting electrode 430, connecting electrode 440, and alignment film 451 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A shown in the diagram are disposed on the surface of substrate SUB1 facing the liquid crystal layer. The alignment film 452 and privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B are disposed on the surface of substrate SUB2 facing the liquid crystal layer; therefore, the alignment film 452 and privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B are represented by dashed lines. The privacy electrode 460 includes a first portion 461 and a second portion 462. The first portion 461 is located in the display area DA, and the second portion 462 is located in the non-display area NA, and the first portion 461 and the second portion 462 are coupled to each other. Specifically, the first portion 461 of the privacy electrode 460 is disposed in all areas of the display area DA. In this embodiment, the second portion 462 has recessed portions 471 and 472 at its lower edge 470, recessed in a direction (e.g., direction D2) from the non-display area NA to the display area DA, wherein recessed portions 471 and 472 are both located in the non-display area NA. In the privacy element 110, recessed portion 471 corresponds to the connecting portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420, and recessed portion 472 corresponds to the connecting portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420. Specifically, after the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are assembled with sealant 410 to form the privacy element 110, recessed portion 471 overlaps with the connecting portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420 in direction D3, and recessed portion 472 overlaps with the connecting portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420 in direction D3. Direction D3 can be a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of substrate SUB1 (i.e., the surface facing the liquid crystal layer). Please refer to the detailed description below for the reasons why the recesses 471 and 472 overlap with the connecting portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420 in direction D3, respectively. In this embodiment, the substrate SUB2 is a light-transmitting substrate, and the privacy electrode 460 may be formed of a transparent conductive layer. For example, the substrate SUB2 may be a glass substrate, and the transparent conductive layer may be indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but the materials of the substrate SUB2 and the transparent conductive layer forming the privacy electrode 460 are not limited to these. In this embodiment, the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B may be referred to as the first privacy electrode substrate and the second privacy electrode substrate, respectively; the substrates SUB1 and SUB2 may be referred to as the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively; the privacy electrodes 420 and 460 may be referred to as the first privacy electrode and the second privacy electrode, respectively; and the connecting electrode substrates 430 and 440 may be referred to as the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode, respectively. In addition, pads P1, P2, P3, and P4 can be referred to as the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, and the fourth pad, respectively, or as the second pad, the first pad, the fourth pad, and the third pad, respectively.

[0081] The sealant 410 contains multiple conductors (not shown in the figure). These conductors can be, for example, conductive particles, such as gold spheres (AuBall), but the type and material of the conductors in the sealant 410 are not limited to this. After the privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B are assembled using the sealant 410, the conductors in the sealant 410 can serve as a conductive path in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate SUB1 (i.e., direction D3). Figure 5 As shown, in the privacy element 110, sealant 410 overlaps with the connection portions 422A and 422B of the connecting electrodes 430 and 440 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the second portion 422 of the privacy electrode 420, and sealant 410 overlaps with the second portion 462 and recesses 471 and 472 of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. In this embodiment, the four portions of sealant 410 that overlap the connecting electrodes 430, 440, 422A, and 422B respectively can be referred to as the first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion of sealant 410, and the first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion of sealant 410 do not overlap with each other. In the privacy element 110, the connecting electrode 430 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, the first portion of sealant 410, and a portion of the second portion 462 of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B overlap with each other in direction D3, as shown. Figure 5 The portions marked 430 / 410 / 460 are therefore connected via a conductor in the sealant 410 to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A. This electrical connection will... Figure 7 Further explanation. In addition, in the privacy element 110, the connecting electrode 440 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, the second portion of the sealant 410, and another portion of the second portion 462 of the privacy electrode 460 overlap each other in direction D3, as shown... Figure 5The portions marked 440 / 410 / 460 are connected to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A via a conductor in the sealant 410. In summary, the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B is electrically connected to the connection electrodes 430 and 440 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, thus the connection electrodes 430 and 440 are electrically connected to each other. In the privacy element 110 of this embodiment, although the third and fourth portions of the sealant 410 overlap the connecting portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420 in direction D3, the recessed portions 471 and 472 of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B overlap the connecting portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A. That is, the connecting portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420, the third portion of the sealant 410, and the recessed portion 471 of the privacy electrode 460 overlap in direction D3. Figure 5 The portions marked 422A / 410 / 471 overlap in direction D3, including the connecting portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420, the fourth portion of the sealant 410, and the recessed portion 472 of the privacy electrode 460. Figure 5 The portions marked 422B / 410 / 472, therefore, the recesses 471 and 472 can prevent the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A from being electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B through the conductor in the sealant 410, thus avoiding a short circuit between the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. The following... Figure 8 This will be described in further detail. In this embodiment, the recesses 471 and 472 and the connecting portions 422A and 422B can be referred to as the first recess, the second recess, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion, respectively, or as the second recess, the first recess, the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion, respectively.

[0082] Figure 6A yes Figure 5 Top view of the privacy screen component coupled to the circuit board. Figure 6B yes Figure 5 The privacy screen element is coupled to another circuit board in the top view. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of the central section AA'. Figure 8 It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view along section line BB'. Please refer to... Figure 5 , 6A6B. Because the length of substrate SUB2 in direction D2 is less than the length of substrate SUB1 in direction D2, the pads P1 to P4 in the privacy element 110 are not covered by substrate SUB2 for electrical connection to circuit board 530A or circuit board 530B. In this embodiment, circuit boards 530A and 530B may be flexible circuit boards, but are not limited thereto. Circuit boards 530A and 530B include a substrate and multiple connecting lines and multiple pads disposed on the substrate. Figure 6A , 6B (Not shown), each pad is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting wire. The manufacturer of the privacy display device can connect circuit board 530A or circuit board 530B to one of the pad groups PS-A or PS-B as needed. Please refer to... Figure 5 , 6A In scenarios 510, the two pads 602 and 603 of circuit board 530A are electrically connected to pads P3 and P1 of pad group PS-A, respectively. When the privacy display device displays a screen, circuit board 530 transmits the first signal SIG1 and the second signal SIG2 to pads P1 and P3, respectively.

[0083] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the privacy electrode 420, the connecting electrode 430, and the pads P1 and P3 are disposed on the surface of the substrate SUB1 facing the liquid crystal layer 608, and the alignment film 451 covers the privacy electrode 420. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates alignment film 451 covering a portion of connecting electrode 430, but this is not a limitation; in some embodiments, alignment film 451 does not cover connecting electrode 430. Privacy electrode 460, alignment film 452, and light-shielding layer 606 are disposed on the surface of substrate SUB2 facing liquid crystal layer 608. Liquid crystal layer 608 is disposed between privacy electrode substrates 400A and 400B; specifically, at least a portion of liquid crystal layer 608 is disposed between alignment film 451 and alignment film 452. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates that a portion of alignment film 451 overlaps with sealant 410 in direction D3, and a portion of alignment film 452 overlaps with sealant 410 in direction D3. However, this is not a limitation; in some embodiments, alignment films 451 and 452 may not overlap with sealant 410. A light-shielding layer 606 is disposed in the non-display area NA and located between substrate SUB2 and privacy electrode 460. Figure 7 , 8 The dashed lines represent the paths of the second signal SIG2 transmitted from circuit board 530A to the privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B, and the first signal SIG1 transmitted from circuit board 530A to the privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A, respectively. When the privacy display device displays a screen, such as... Figure 8As shown, circuit board 530 transmits the first signal SIG1 to pad P1, and then to the privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A; as Figure 7 As shown, circuit board 530 transmits a second signal SIG2 to pad P3 because the connecting electrode 430 of privacy electrode substrate 400A, a portion of sealant 410, and a portion of the second portion 462 of privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B overlap each other in direction D3 (see reference). Figure 5 (The portion marked 430 / 410 / 460) Therefore, the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B via the connecting electrode 430 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the conductor 604 in the sealant 410. Therefore, when the privacy display device displays a screen, the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2 are transmitted to the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B, respectively.

[0084] In particular, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the sealant 410 overlaps in direction D3 with the connection portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420 and the recessed portion 471 of the privacy electrode 460. (Please refer to...) Figure 5 The portion marked 422A / 410 / 471, that is, the portion of sealant 410, does not overlap with the privacy electrode 460 in direction D3. Therefore, the conductor 604 in the portion of sealant 410 will not contact the privacy electrode 460, so the privacy electrode 420 is not electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460. Therefore, the first signal SIG1 will not be transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 to avoid short circuit between the privacy electrodes 420 and 460.

[0085] When the privacy display device displays an image, the potential difference between the privacy electrode 420 and the privacy electrode 460 (that is, the potential difference between the first signal SIG1 and the second signal SIG2) can control the angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 608 to adjust the viewing angle range of the privacy display device. For example, the potential difference between the privacy electrode 420 and the privacy electrode 460 when the privacy display device is operating in the first viewing angle mode is different from the potential difference between the privacy electrode 420 and the privacy electrode 460 when the privacy display device is operating in the second viewing angle mode.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 5 , 6B In scenario 520, two pads (not shown) of circuit board 530 are electrically connected to pads P2 and P4 of pad assembly PS-B, respectively. Regarding along... Figure 6B The cross-sectional views of the middle section CC' and section DD' can... Figure 7By replacing pad P3 and circuit board 530A with pad P4 and circuit board 530B respectively, a cross-sectional view along section line CC' can be obtained. Figure 8 By replacing pad P1, circuit board 530A, connecting part 422A, and recessed part 471 with pad P2, circuit board 530B, connecting part 422B, and recessed part 472 respectively, a cross-sectional view along section line DD' can be obtained. Identical parts will not be described again. Similarly... Figure 6A , 7 8. A portion of the sealant 410 overlaps in direction D3 with the connection portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420 and the recess portion 472 of the privacy electrode 460. That is, the portion of the sealant 410 does not overlap with the privacy electrode 460 in direction D3. Therefore, the conductor 604 in the portion of the sealant 410 will not contact the privacy electrode 460, so that the privacy electrode 420 is not electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460. Therefore, the first signal SIG1 will not be transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 to avoid short circuit between the privacy electrodes 420 and 460. When the privacy display device displays an image, the circuit board 530B transmits a first signal SIG1 to the pad P2, and then to the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A; the circuit board 530B transmits a second signal SIG2 to the pad P4, and then to the connection electrode 430 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, and further transmits the second signal SIG2 to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B through the conductor 604 in the sealant 410.

[0087] Next will be Figure 9A , 9B10, 11A, 11B, 12, 13A, and 13B illustrate that the privacy element of the present invention includes two pad groups PS-A and PS-B, and has the advantage of arranging the pads P1 and P2 of the privacy electrode 420 electrically connected to the privacy electrode substrate 400A and the pads P3 and P4 of the privacy electrode 460 electrically connected to the privacy electrode substrate 400B in the pad groups PS-A and PS-B in a mirror symmetrical manner. Specifically, the aforementioned mirror-symmetric arrangement refers to the privacy element comprising a first pad group (e.g., pad group PS-A) and a second pad group (e.g., pad group PS-B) arranged along one direction (e.g., direction D1). Each pad group includes a pad (e.g., pad P1 or pad P2) electrically connected to the privacy electrode (also referred to as the first privacy electrode, e.g., the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A) of the first privacy electrode substrate and a pad (e.g., pad P1 or pad P2) electrically connected to the privacy electrode (also referred to as the second privacy electrode, e.g., the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B). The first set of pads (e.g., pad P3 or pad P4) is electrically connected to the second privacy electrode. The first set of pads is electrically connected to the first privacy electrode (e.g., pad P1). The second set of pads is electrically connected to the first privacy electrode (e.g., pad P2). The second set of pads is electrically connected to the second privacy electrode (e.g., pad P4). These pads are arranged sequentially along the direction. Therefore, the arrangement of the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode and the second privacy electrode in the first set of pads is mirror-symmetrical to the arrangement of the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode and the second privacy electrode in the second set of pads. Figure 9A , 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of a privacy screen element, a display panel, a circuit board, and a system board according to one and another embodiments. Please refer to... Figure 9A , 9B The privacy element 110 of the present invention can be used as a privacy element in different privacy display devices. For example, the privacy element 110 of the present invention can be provided to different customers, such as customer A and customer B. Figure 9A As shown, customer A can assemble a privacy screen display module 140A from a privacy screen element 110, a display panel 120A, circuit boards 530A and 540A, and a system board 700A. The system board 700A includes a circuit area 710A and connection portions 720A and 730A. Multiple integrated circuits and multiple lines (not shown) are disposed in the circuit area 710A. The connection portions 720A and 730A are coupled to circuit boards 530A and 540A, respectively. Circuit boards 530A and 540A are coupled to the pad group PS-A of the privacy screen element 110 and the pad BP1 of the display panel 120A, respectively, so that the system board 700A is electrically connected to the privacy screen element 110 and the display panel 120A. For example, the system board 700A can transmit the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2 to the privacy screen element 110 and transmit the screen signal to the display panel 120A. Figure 9BAs shown, customer B can assemble the privacy screen element 100, display panel 120B, circuit boards 530B and 540B, and system board 700B into a privacy screen display module 140B. System board 700B includes a circuit area 710B and connection parts 720B and 730B. Multiple integrated circuits and multiple lines (not shown) are disposed in the circuit area 710B. Connection parts 720B and 730B are respectively coupled to circuit boards 530B and 540B. Circuit boards 530B and 540B are respectively coupled to the pad group PS-B of privacy screen element 110 and the pad BP2 of display panel 120A, so that system board 700A is electrically connected to privacy screen element 110 and display panel 120A. Circuit boards 530A and 530B are the same as... Figure 6A , 6B Circuit boards 530A and 530B are shown in the diagram. Circuit boards 540A and 540B may be flexible circuit boards, but are not limited to them. For the sake of brevity in the accompanying drawings, Figure 9A , 9B The privacy screen element 110 only shows pads PS1 and PS2, and the display panels 120A and 120B only show pads BP1 and BP2. Pads BP1 and BP2 can receive signals transmitted to display panels 120A and 120B, respectively. For example, display panel 120A includes multiple data lines, which are coupled to multiple pads BP1, and the pads BP1 are electrically connected to system board 700A via circuit board 540A to receive screen signals. Furthermore, Figure 9A , 9B This example illustrates the placement of the privacy element 110 on the light-emitting side of the display panels 120A and 120B, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the privacy element 110 may be placed on the light-incident side of the display panels 120A and 120B. Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, because different customers have different circuit configurations when designing system board circuits, the circuit areas (e.g., circuit areas 710A and 710B) of different customers' system boards (e.g., system boards 700A and 700B) will have different settings. Furthermore, the connection portions 720A and 720B in system boards 700A and 700B used to couple circuit boards 530A and 530B will be located in different areas of the corresponding privacy shield 110. Therefore, if the privacy shield 110 only contains one pad group, the privacy shield manufacturer needs to produce multiple versions of privacy shields with different pad group positions for different customers, which easily leads to inventory buildup and poor production efficiency. In this invention, the privacy element 110 includes two pad groups (e.g., pad groups PS-A and PS-B). Each pad group includes a pad (e.g., pad P1 or pad P2) electrically connected to the privacy electrode of the first privacy electrode substrate (e.g., the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A) and a pad (e.g., pad P3 or pad P4) electrically connected to the privacy electrode of the second privacy electrode substrate (e.g., the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B). Therefore, a privacy element 110 of a certain specification can be provided to different customers to produce privacy display devices of different types.

[0088] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the two privacy electrode substrates and the sealant in the first embodiment, and a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the privacy element formed after assembling the two privacy electrode substrates. Figure 11A It is to bond the circuit board to Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the contact pad assembly of the privacy protection element. Figure 11B It is to connect another circuit board to Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another pad assembly of the privacy screen element. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the diagram... Figure 10 , 11A In 11B, the privacy electrode substrate 400A only shows substrate SUB1, privacy electrode 420, pads P1 to P4, connecting electrode 430 and connecting electrode 440, while the privacy electrode substrate 400B only shows substrate SUB2 and privacy electrode 460. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The difference is Figure 11A The circuit board 530A is coupled to the PS-A pad assembly, while Figure 11B The circuit board 530B is coupled to the PS-B pad assembly. Additionally... Figure 11A , 11BThe arrows in the diagram indicate the paths when circuit board 530A is coupled to pad group PS-A and circuit board 530B is coupled to pad group PS-B. Circuit boards 530A and 530B transmit the first signal SIG1 to pad P1 of pad group PS-A or pad P2 of pad group PS-B, and then further transmit it to the privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A. Circuit boards 530A and 530B also transmit the second signal SIG2 to pad P3 of pad group PS-A or pad P4 of pad group PS-B, and then further transmit it via the connecting electrode 430 of privacy electrode substrate 400A and the conductor 604 in sealant 410 to the privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B.

[0089] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of two privacy electrode substrates and sealant according to a comparative embodiment, and a perspective view of a privacy element formed after the two privacy electrode substrates are assembled. Figure 13A It is to bond the circuit board to Figure 12 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pad assembly of the privacy protection element. Figure 13B It is to connect another circuit board to Figure 12 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another pad assembly of the privacy screen element. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, the privacy element 110A's pad assembly PS-A includes pads P1 and P3, and the pad assembly PS-B1 includes pads P2 and P4-1. Pads P1 and P2 are electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420, and pads P3 and P4-1 are electrically connected to connecting electrodes 430 and 440, respectively. Similar to the previous description, after assembling two privacy electrode substrates 400A-1 and 400B to form the privacy element 110A, connecting electrodes 430 and 440 are both electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B through a conductor (not shown) in the sealant 410. Please also refer to... Figure 10 , 12 The privacy elements 110 and 110A each include a first pad group (e.g., pad group PS-A) and a second pad group (e.g., pad group PS-B or PS-B1) disposed along direction D1. Each pad group includes a pad (e.g., pad P1 or P2) electrically connected to the privacy electrode (also referred to as the first privacy electrode, e.g., privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A or 400A-1) of the first privacy electrode substrate, and a pad (e.g., pad PS3, PS4, or PS4-1) electrically connected to the privacy electrode (also referred to as the second privacy electrode, e.g., privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B). Figure 10In the first embodiment, the pads electrically connected to the second privacy electrode in the first pad group (pad P3), the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode in the first pad group (pad P1), the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode in the second pad group (pad P2), and the pads electrically connected to the second privacy electrode in the second pad group (pad group P4) are arranged sequentially along direction D1, so that the arrangement of the two pads in the first pad group that are electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes respectively is mirror-symmetrical to the arrangement of the two pads in the second pad group that are electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes respectively. However, in Figure 12 In the comparative embodiment, the pads electrically connected to the second privacy electrode in the first pad group (pad P3), the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode in the first pad group (pad P1), the pads electrically connected to the second privacy electrode in the second pad group (pad P4-1), and the pads electrically connected to the first privacy electrode in the second pad group (pad group P2) are arranged sequentially along direction D1. Therefore, the arrangement of the two pads electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes in the first pad group is not mirror-symmetrical to the arrangement of the two pads electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes in the second pad group. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The difference is Figure 13A The circuit board 530A is coupled to the PS-A pad assembly, while Figure 13B The circuit board 530B-1 coupling pad assembly PS-B1 is also included. Figure 13A and Figure 13B The arrows in the diagram indicate the paths by which circuit boards 530A and 530B-1 transmit the first signal SIG1 to pad P1 of pad P1 in ...

[0090] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 11A as well as Figure 13A When circuit board 530A is coupled to pad assembly PS-A, Figure 11A The transmission paths of the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2 are respectively similar to Figure 13A The transmission paths of the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2. Please also refer to... Figure 11B as well as Figure 13BWhen circuit board 530B is coupled to pad assembly PS-B or circuit board 530B-1 is coupled to pad PS-B1, Figure 11B The transmission path of the first signal SIG1 in the middle is similar to Figure 13B The transmission path of the first signal SIG1 in the middle, but Figure 11B The length of the connecting electrode 430, which can be used to transmit the second signal SIG2, is greater than Figure 13B The length of the connecting electrode 430, which can be used to transmit the second signal SIG2, is thus determined. Figure 11B The impedance of the path from pad P4 of the pad assembly PS-B to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B is much smaller than that of the second signal SIG2. Figure 13B The impedance of the path from pad P4-1 of pad assembly PS-B1 to the privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B is also considered. Figure 11B The second signal SIG2 is transmitted from the pad P4 of the pad assembly PS-B via the conductor connecting electrode 130 and sealant 410 upwards to at least three side regions of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. Figure 13B The second signal SIG2 is transmitted from the pad P4-1 of the pad assembly PS-B1 through the conductor connecting the electrode 130 and the sealant 410 to a single side area of ​​the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. Therefore, compared to Figure 13B Implementation examples, Figure 11B The privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B has a more uniform potential. From the above... Figure 9A , 9B As can be seen from the descriptions of 10, 11A, 11B, 12, 13A, and 13B, the present invention includes two pad groups, and the arrangement of the two pads in one pad group that are electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes respectively is mirror symmetrical to the arrangement of the two pads in the other pad group that are electrically connected to the first and second privacy electrodes respectively.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 10 , 11AThe distance between pads PS-A and PS-B (i.e., the distance between pads P1 and P2) is L1. When the distance L1 between pads PS-A and PS-B decreases, the length of the connecting electrode 430 used to transmit the second signal SIG2 increases, and the second signal SIG2 is transmitted from pad P3 of pad PS-A through the conductor of the connecting electrode 130 and the sealant 410 to more side areas of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. Therefore, the impedance of the path from pad P3 of pad PS-A to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B is further reduced, and the potential of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B is more uniform. In some embodiments, the distance L1 between pads PS-A and PS-B may be less than or equal to half the width L2 of the substrate SUB1.

[0092] In the above description, one of the two pad groups of the privacy element is coupled to a circuit board, but this is not a limitation. In some embodiments, the two pad groups of the privacy element are coupled to two different circuit boards. Figure 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of a privacy screen element, a display panel, a circuit board, and a system board, according to yet another embodiment. Figure 11C It involves bonding the two circuit boards to... Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the two contact pads of the privacy screen element. Please refer to... Figure 9C For example, the privacy element 110 of the present invention, in addition to the following... Figure 9A , 9C In addition to being provided to customers A and B, it can also be provided to customer C. Customer C can assemble the privacy screen element 110, display panel 120C, circuit boards 530C, 530D, 540C, and system board 700C into a privacy screen display module 140C. System board 700C includes a circuit area 710C and connection parts 720C and 730C. Multiple integrated circuits and multiple lines (not shown) are disposed in the circuit area 710C. Connection parts 720C, 720D, and 730C are coupled to circuit boards 530C, 530D, and 540C, respectively. 540C is coupled to the pad BP3 of display panel 120C, and circuit boards 530C and 530D are coupled to the pad groups PS-A and PS-B of privacy screen element 110, respectively. Circuit boards 530C and 530D are similar to... Figure 9A , 9B Circuit boards 530A and 530B are shown in the image. Please refer to... Figure 11A , 11B When only one of the two pad groups in the privacy display device is coupled to the circuit board to receive the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2, the second signal SIG2 is transmitted from one end of the connecting electrode 430 to the connecting electrode 430. That is, the way the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the connecting electrode 430 is single-ended drive. Figure 11CIt involves bonding the two circuit boards to... Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the two contact pads of the privacy screen element. Please refer to... Figure 9C , 11C When the two pad groups in the privacy display device are respectively coupled to the two circuit boards 530C and 530D to receive the first and second signals SIG1 and SIG2, the second signal SIG2 is transmitted from both ends of the connecting electrode 430 to the connecting electrode 430. That is, the way the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the connecting electrode 430 is a dual-end drive. Therefore, the impedance of the path of the second signal SIG2 to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B can be further reduced.

[0093] [Second Embodiment]

[0094] Figure 14 This is a top view of the two privacy electrode substrates and sealant in the privacy element according to the second embodiment. Figure 15 It is an assembly Figure 14 The top view shows the privacy element formed after the two privacy electrode substrates are installed. Please refer to... Figure 14 , Figure 14 and Figure 4 The difference is that, Figure 14 The privacy electrode substrate 400A-2 also includes pads P5 and P6 disposed on substrate SUB1, with pads P5 and P6 respectively coupled to the two ends of the connecting electrode 440. Pad assembly PS-A2 includes pads P1, P3, and P5, with pad P1 disposed between pads P3 and P5; pad assembly PS-B2 includes pads P2, P4, and P6, with pad P2 disposed between pads P4 and P6. Please refer to... Figure 15 Pads P1 and P2 are electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-2. Pads P3 and P4 are electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B through the conductors in the connecting electrode 430 and the sealant 410. Pads P5 and P6 are also electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B through the conductors in the connecting electrode 440 and the sealant 410. Therefore, each pad group in pad groups PS-A2 and PS-B2 includes one pad electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420 and two pads electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460, with the pad electrically connected to the privacy electrode 420 positioned between the two pads electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460. Figure 14As shown, pads P3, P1, P5, P6, P2, and P4 are sequentially disposed on substrate SUB1 along direction D1. In this embodiment, privacy electrode substrates 400A-2 and 400B can be referred to as the first privacy electrode substrate and the second privacy electrode substrate, respectively. Furthermore, pads P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 can be referred to as the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, the fourth pad, the fifth pad, and the sixth pad, respectively, or as the second pad, the first pad, the fourth pad, the third pad, the sixth pad, and the fifth pad, respectively. Figure 14 The rest of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-2 is similar to Figure 4 The privacy electrode substrate 400A in the middle, Figure 14 For related information on the privacy electrode substrate 400B and sealant 410, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The relevant explanations will not be repeated here. For the sake of brevity, the accompanying diagrams... Figure 15 The display area DA, the non-display area NA, alignment films 451 and 452, and the light-shielding layer 606 are omitted. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 15 When the privacy electrode substrates 400A-2 and 400B are assembled to form the privacy element 110B, the pads P1 to P6 are not covered by the privacy electrode substrate 400B and are used to couple the circuit board.

[0095] Figure 16A yes Figure 15 The top view of the privacy element's pad assembly coupled to the circuit board. Figure 16B yes Figure 15 The top view shows another set of pads of the privacy element coupled to another circuit board. Please refer to... Figure 15 , 16A In scenario 910, the three pads (not shown) of circuit board 930A are coupled to pad group PS-A2, that is, connected to pads P3, P1, and P5 respectively. When the privacy display device displays a screen, circuit board 930A sends a first signal SIG1 to pad P1 and a second signal SIG2 to pads P3 and P5. Please refer to... Figure 15 , 16B In scenario 920, the three pads (not shown) of circuit board 930B are coupled to pad group PS-B2, that is, connected to pads P6, P2 and P4 respectively. When the privacy display device displays the screen, circuit board 930B will send the first signal SIG1 to pad P2 and the second signal SIG2 to pads P4 and P6. Figure 16A The cross-sectional views along sections AA' and BB' are similar to those shown below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, and Figure 16B The cross-sectional views along sections CC' and DD' are respectively similar to Figure 6BThe cross-sectional views along sections CC' and DD' differ in that the component symbols for the privacy electrode substrate 400A and circuit boards 530A and 530B are replaced with 400A-2, 930A, and 930B, respectively. The rest are similar and will not be described further here. Furthermore, regarding... Figure 16A The cross-sectional view along section line EE' and Figure 16B The cross-sectional view along section line FF' can show... Figure 7 By replacing the component symbols of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, pad P1, connecting electrode 430, and circuit board 530A with 400A-2, P5, 440, and 930A respectively, a cross-sectional view along section line EE' can be obtained, and... Figure 7 The component symbols of the privacy electrode substrate 400A, pad P1, connecting electrode 430 and circuit board 530A are replaced with 400A-2, P6, 440 and 930B respectively to obtain the cross-sectional view along the section line FF'. The same parts will not be repeated.

[0096] Figure 17A yes Figure 16A A three-dimensional diagram, Figure 17B yes Figure 16B A three-dimensional diagram. Please refer to... Figure 14 , 15 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B Figure 17A , 17B The arrows in the diagram indicate the paths by which circuit boards 930A or 930B, after being coupled to pad group PS-A2 or PS-B2, transmit the first signal SIG1 through pads P1 or P2 to the privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A-2, and transmit the second signal SIG2 to pads P3, P5 or pads P4, P6, and then further through the connecting electrodes 430, 440 of privacy electrode substrate 400A-2 and the conductor in sealant 410 to the privacy electrode 460 of privacy electrode substrate 400B. Figure 17A , 17B As shown, in addition to being transmitted to the connection electrode 430 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-2 via pad P3 or pad P4, and further transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B via the conductor in the sealant 410, the second signal SIG2 is also transmitted to the connection electrode 440 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-2 via pad P5 or pad P6, and further transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B via the conductor in the sealant 410. That is, in this embodiment, the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 via two paths (through the connection electrode 430 and the connection electrode 440), thereby having a lower impedance. Please also refer to... Figure 11A , 11B17A, 17B Figure 17A , 17B The impedance of the path from the second signal SIG2 in the image to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B will be much smaller than that of the image sensor. Figure 11A , 11B The impedance of the path through which the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B. Furthermore, Figure 17A , 17B The second signal SIG2 is transmitted upwards to the area on the side of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B, which is larger than the area on the side of the privacy electrode 460. Figure 11A , 11B The second signal SIG2 is transmitted upwards to the area on the side of the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B, therefore compared to Figure 11A , 11B Implementation examples, Figure 17A , 17B The privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B has a more uniform potential. Furthermore, similar to... Figure 11C In some embodiments, the pad group PS-A2 of the privacy element 110B can be coupled to one circuit board, and the pad group PS-B2 can be coupled to another circuit board, so that the second signal SIG2 is transmitted from both ends of the connecting electrode 430 to the connecting electrode 430, and the second signal SIG2 is transmitted from both ends of the connecting electrode 440 to the connecting electrode 440. That is, the way the second signal SIG2 is transmitted to the connecting electrodes 430 and 440 is a dual-end drive. Therefore, the impedance of the path of the second signal SIG2 to the privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B can be further reduced.

[0097] [Variations on the First Embodiment]

[0098] Figure 18 This is a top view of two privacy electrode substrates and sealant of a privacy element, based on a variation of the first embodiment. Figure 19 It is an assembly Figure 18 The top view shows the privacy element formed after the two privacy electrode substrates are installed. Please refer to... Figure 18 , 19Unlike the first embodiment, the privacy electrode substrate 400A-3 in this variant embodiment further includes an insulating layer 1010, and the second portion 462A of the privacy electrode 460A of the privacy electrode substrate 400B-1 does not have the recessed portion corresponding to the connecting portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420. The remaining portions are similar and will not be described again here. The insulating layer 1010 includes insulating blocks 1012, 1014, and 1016. A portion and another portion of the insulating block 1012 are located in the display area DA and the non-display area NA, respectively. The insulating block 1012 covers and protects the first portion 421 of the privacy electrode 420 located in the display area DA. The insulating blocks 1014 and 1016 are located in the non-display area NA. Insulating blocks 1014 and 1016 are coupled to the side of insulating block 1012 and protrude in the directions of pads P1 and P2, respectively, and insulating blocks 1014 and 1016 respectively cover the connecting portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420. Insulating block 1014 overlaps in direction D3 with the connecting portion 422A, a portion of the sealant 411, and a portion of the privacy electrode 460A of the privacy electrode substrate 400B-1 (i.e., a portion of the second portion 462A of the privacy electrode 460A), as shown. Figure 19 The portion marked 422A / 1014 / 410 / 460A; the insulating block 1016 overlaps in direction D3 with the connecting portion 422B, another portion of the sealant 411, and another portion of the privacy electrode 460A of the privacy electrode substrate 400B-1 (that is, another portion of the second portion 462A of the privacy electrode 460A), as follows. Figure 19 The parts marked 422B / 1016 / 410 / 460A, therefore, insulating blocks 1014 and 1016 can prevent the joints 422A and 422B from contacting the sealant 410, as follows. Figure 21 , 22 This will be described in further detail. In this embodiment, the privacy electrode substrates 400A-3 and 400B-1 can be referred to as the first privacy electrode substrate and the second privacy electrode substrate, respectively, and the privacy electrodes 420 and 460A can be referred to as the first privacy electrode and the second privacy electrode, respectively. Furthermore, the insulating blocks 1014 and 1016 and the connecting portions 422A and 422B can be referred to as the first insulating block, the second insulating block, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion, respectively, or they can be referred to as the second insulating block, the first insulating block, the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion, respectively.

[0099] Figure 20A yes Figure 19 The top view of the privacy element's pad assembly coupled to the circuit board. Figure 20B yes Figure 19 The top view shows another set of pads of the privacy element coupled to another circuit board. Figure 21 It is along Figure 20A Cross-sectional view of the central section line GG'. Figure 22It is along Figure 20A A cross-sectional view along section line HH'. Please also refer to... Figure 18 , 19 20A, 21, 22. In scenario 1110, circuit board 530A is connected to pads P1 and P3 of pad assembly PS-A. Insulating layer 1010 is disposed on privacy electrode 420. Similar to the first embodiment, when the privacy display device displays an image, such as Figure 22 As shown, circuit board 530A transmits the first signal SIG1 to pad P1, and then to the privacy electrode 420 of privacy electrode substrate 400A-3; as Figure 21 As shown, circuit board 530A transmits a second signal SIG2 to pad P3, and the second signal SIG2 is then transmitted via the conductor 604 in the connecting electrode 430 and sealant 410 to the privacy electrode 460A of privacy electrode substrate 400B-1. Specifically, in this variant embodiment, as... Figure 22 As shown, a portion of the sealant 410 overlaps in direction D3 with the connection portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420, the insulating block 1014 of the insulating layer 1010, and the privacy electrode 460A, that is, corresponding to Figure 19 The portion marked 422A / 1014 / 410 / 460A, and the insulating block 1014 of the insulating layer 1010 is located between the connection portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420 and the sealant 410, so the conductor 604 in the portion of the sealant 410 will not contact the connection portion 422A of the privacy electrode 420, so that the privacy electrode 420 is not electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460A, and therefore the first signal SIG1 will not be transmitted to the privacy electrode 460A, so as to avoid short circuit between the privacy electrodes 420 and 460A.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 20B In scenario 1120, two pads (not shown) of circuit board 530B are electrically connected to pads P2 and P4 of pad assembly PS-B, respectively. Regarding along... Figure 20B The cross-sectional views of section line II' and section line JJ' can show that... Figure 21 By replacing the markings of pad P3 and circuit board 530A with pad P4 and circuit board 530B respectively, a cross-sectional view along section line II' can be obtained. Figure 22 By replacing the markings of pad P1, circuit board 530A, connector 422A, and insulating block 1014 with pad P2, circuit board 530B, connector 422B, and insulating block 1016 respectively, a cross-sectional view along section line JJ' can be obtained. Identical parts will not be described again. Similarly... Figure 20A , 21 22, a portion of the sealant 410 overlaps in direction D3 with the connection portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420, the insulating block 1016 of the insulating layer 1010, and the privacy electrode 460A, that is, corresponding to Figure 19The portion marked 422B / 1016 / 410 / 460A is such that the conductor 604 in the sealant 410 will not contact the connection portion 422B of the privacy electrode 420, thus preventing the privacy electrode 420 from being electrically connected to the privacy electrode 460A. Therefore, the first signal SIG1 will not be transmitted to the privacy electrode 460A to avoid a short circuit between the privacy electrodes 420 and 460A. When the privacy display device displays a screen, the circuit board 530B transmits the first signal SIG1 to the pad P2, and then to the privacy electrode 420 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-3; the circuit board 530B transmits the second signal SIG2 to the pad P4, and then to the connection electrode 430 of the privacy electrode substrate 400A-3, and further transmits the second signal SIG2 to the privacy electrode 460A of the privacy electrode substrate 400B-1 through the conductor 604 in the sealant 410. In addition, in some embodiments, the insulating layer 1010 may include only insulating blocks 1014 and 1016, without including insulating block 1012, which can also prevent short circuits of the privacy electrodes 420 and 460A.

[0101] It should be noted that the concept of this modified embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment to form a modified embodiment of the second embodiment. For example, a modified embodiment of the second embodiment may be, for instance, Figure 14 The privacy electrode substrate also includes an insulating layer that covers the connection portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420. The privacy electrode 460 of the privacy electrode substrate 400B does not have a recessed portion corresponding to the connection portions 422A and 422B of the privacy electrode 420. The rest are similar and will not be described again here.

[0102] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A privacy element having a display area and a non-display area, characterized by, The privacy element includes: a first substrate; a first privacy electrode disposed on the first substrate, wherein a first portion of the first privacy electrode is located in the display area and a second portion of the first privacy electrode is located in the non-display area; a first contact pad and a second contact pad disposed on the first substrate, wherein the first contact pad and the second contact pad are located in the non-display area and coupled to the first privacy electrode, and the second portion of the first privacy electrode includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are electrically connected to the first contact pad and the second contact pad, respectively; a first connecting electrode disposed on the first substrate and located in the non-display area, and the first connecting electrode is electrically insulated from the first privacy electrode; a third contact pad and a fourth contact pad disposed on the first substrate, wherein the third contact pad and the fourth contact pad are located in the non-display area and coupled to the first connecting electrode, and the first contact pad and the second contact pad are located between the third contact pad and the fourth contact pad; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a second privacy electrode disposed on a surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, wherein a first portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the display area, a second portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the non-display area, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode has a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion recessed from the non-display area to the display area; and a sealant disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the sealant including a plurality of conductive bodies, the first connecting electrode, the sealant, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface of the first substrate, wherein the first recessed portion, a portion of the sealant, and the first connecting portion overlap each other in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate, and the second recessed portion, another portion of the sealant, and the second connecting portion overlap each other in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate.

2. The privacy screen element of claim 1, wherein, The first connecting electrode is electrically connected to the second privacy electrode through a portion of the plurality of conductive bodies in the sealant.

3. The privacy screen element of claim 1, wherein, Each of the conductive bodies is a conductive particle.

4. The privacy screen element of claim 1, wherein, The first connecting electrode is located between an edge of the first substrate and the first privacy electrode, the first connecting electrode surrounds a portion of a periphery of the first privacy electrode, and two ends of the first connecting electrode are coupled to the third contact pad and the fourth contact pad, respectively.

5. The privacy screen element of claim 1, wherein, The privacy element further includes an insulating layer disposed on the first substrate, wherein the second portion of the first privacy electrode, the insulating layer, the sealant, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

6. The privacy screen element of claim 1, wherein, Further including a second connecting electrode, a fifth contact pad, and a sixth contact pad disposed on the first substrate and located in the non-display area, the fifth contact pad and the sixth contact pad are coupled to the second connecting electrode and disposed between the first contact pad and the second contact pad.

7. A privacy screen element according to claim 6, characterised in that The second connecting electrode is located between the edge of the first substrate and the first privacy electrode, and two ends of the second connecting electrode are respectively coupled to the fifth contact pad and the sixth contact pad.

8. A privacy display device having a display area and a non-display area, characterized by The privacy display device includes: a display panel; and a privacy element disposed on one side of the display panel, the privacy element including: a first substrate; a first privacy electrode disposed on the first substrate, wherein a first portion of the first privacy electrode is located in the display area, and a second portion of the first privacy electrode is located in the non-display area; a first contact pad and a second contact pad disposed on the first substrate, wherein the first contact pad and the second contact pad are located in the non-display area and coupled to the first privacy electrode, and the second portion of the first privacy electrode includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are electrically connected to the first contact pad and the second contact pad, respectively; a first connecting electrode disposed on the first substrate and located in the non-display area, and the first connecting electrode is electrically insulated from the first privacy electrode; a third contact pad and a fourth contact pad disposed on the first substrate, wherein the third contact pad and the fourth contact pad are located in the non-display area and coupled to the first connecting electrode, and the first contact pad and the second contact pad are located between the third contact pad and the fourth contact pad; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a second privacy electrode disposed on a surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, wherein a first portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the display area, a second portion of the second privacy electrode is located in the non-display area, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode has a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion recessed from the non-display area to the display area; and a sealant disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the sealant including a plurality of conductive bodies, and the first connecting electrode, the sealant, and the second portion of the second privacy electrode overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate, wherein the first recessed portion, a portion of the sealant, and the first connecting portion overlap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate, and the second recessed portion, another portion of the sealant, and the second connecting portion overlap in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first substrate.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein The privacy display device further includes a circuit board electrically connected to the first contact pad and the third contact pad, wherein when the privacy display device displays a picture, the circuit board transmits a first signal and a second signal to the first contact pad and the third contact pad, respectively.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The privacy display device further includes another circuit board electrically connected to the second contact pad and the fourth contact pad, wherein when the privacy display device displays the picture, the other circuit board transmits the first signal and the second signal to the second contact pad and the fourth contact pad, respectively.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The privacy element further includes a second connection electrode, a fifth contact pad and a sixth contact pad disposed on the first substrate and located in the non-display region, the fifth contact pad and the sixth contact pad coupled to the second connection electrode and disposed between the first contact pad and the second contact pad, wherein the circuit board is further electrically connected to the fifth contact pad, and wherein the circuit board further transmits the second signal to the fifth contact pad when the privacy display device displays the image.

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