Self-sterilizing display device

Abstract

The present application provides a self-sterilization display device with ultraviolet sterilization function. The self-sterilization display device comprises a display, an incident light layer, a light source and a transparent protective layer. The incident light layer is located above the display. The light source is located at the periphery of the incident light layer, and the light emitting surface of the light source faces the incident light layer. The turning layer is located on the lower surface of the incident light layer. Here, the light source can emit ultraviolet rays towards the incident light layer to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface of the self-sterilization display device, and the turning layer can change the direction of the light path of the ultraviolet rays. In this way, surface sterilization can be performed with ultraviolet rays, and ultraviolet rays can also be avoided or reduced from being incident on the display below to damage the display.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a surface sterilization technology of a display device, and in particular, to a self-sterilizing display device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the advancement of technology, display devices are no longer just home appliances, and are now widely used in various public places to provide users with relevant information. For example, display devices have been used as information display boards in open spaces such as department stores, various exhibition halls, or various activity centers. However, regardless of whether they have touch functions, the surfaces of display devices installed in public places are often touched by people, and thus there is a concern about the spread of germs. Therefore, the demand for surface sterilization technology of display devices has greatly increased.

[0003] The existing surface sterilization technology of display devices mainly continuously emits ultraviolet rays to sterilize the display device, and uses the principle of optical total internal reflection to cause most of the ultraviolet rays to be totally internally reflected within the display device so that the ultraviolet rays spread to the entire surface of the display device. However, such surface sterilization technology must have the surface of the display device touched by a finger (because it changes the relative refractive index of the contact point) for the ultraviolet rays to be emitted from the display device to the outside.

[0004] However, experiments have shown that the sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays requires a certain amount of accumulated light to be effective. Therefore, there is still a concern about whether surface sterilization can be achieved in a short period of time of finger contact. Furthermore, in addition to being emitted forward, ultraviolet rays are also internally incident into the display components of the display device. The continuous irradiation of ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the display components of the display device, thereby reducing the service life of the display device. In addition, when the surface of the display device is not touched by a finger, internal total reflection cannot guarantee that no ultraviolet rays are emitted to the outside, but the continuous emission of ultraviolet rays to the outside can cause damage to the eyes and skin of people. SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments, a self-sterilizing display device having ultraviolet light sterilization function is provided. The self-sterilizing display device includes a display, a light-in layer, a light source, and a turning layer. The light-in layer is located above the display. The light source is located at the periphery of the light-in layer, and the light-emitting surface of the light source faces the light-in layer. The turning layer is located on the lower surface of the light-in layer. In this way, the light source can emit ultraviolet rays toward the light-in layer to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface of the self-sterilizing display device, and the turning layer can change the direction of the light path of the ultraviolet rays.

[0006] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device described above can further include a housing and a heat dissipation member. One surface of the heat dissipation member is attached to the light source, and the other surface is attached to the wall surface of the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further comprises a reflective layer. The reflective layer is configured to change the direction of the ultraviolet light. The light source is disposed on the lower surface of the light-in layer, and the light emitting surface of the light source faces the lower surface of the light-in layer. The reflective layer is disposed on the upper surface of the light-in layer corresponding to the light source.

[0008] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further comprises a light-shielding layer, and the light-shielding layer is disposed on the reflective layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the turning layer is an ultraviolet resistant plasma coating.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plasma coating has a transmittance of less than 65% in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the turning layer is bonded to the display by an adhesive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer contains a plurality of light-absorbing particles for absorbing ultraviolet light.

[0013] In some embodiments, the light-in layer is a glass plate or a plastic plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the light-in layer is a touch panel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light emitting surface of the light source faces the side edge of the light-in layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further comprises a light-shielding layer, and the light-shielding layer is disposed on the light-in layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the light-in layer and the upper surface of the light-shielding layer have a plasma coating that allows ultraviolet light to pass through.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plasma coating has a transmittance of greater than 60% in the wavelength range of less than 380 nm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further comprises a touch panel. The lower surface of the touch panel is attached to the upper surface of the display by a first adhesive layer, and the upper surface of the touch panel is attached to the turning layer by a second adhesive layer. The light-in layer is a glass plate.

[0020] In other embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further includes a touch panel. Here, a lower surface of the touch panel is attached to an upper surface of the display via a first adhesive layer. The light-in layer is a glass plate that is the uppermost component of the touch panel, and the turning layer is attached to the remaining components of the touch panel via a second adhesive layer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are distributed with light-absorbing particles for absorbing ultraviolet light.

[0022] In other embodiments, the light source includes a plurality of light-emitting units, and the light-emitting units are located between a plurality of Chip On Film (COF) type wiring lines of the display.

[0023] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further includes a fluorescent pattern. Here, the fluorescent pattern is located below the light-in layer, and emits fluorescence via ultraviolet excitation.

[0024] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device further includes a driving circuit, a distance sensor, and a controller. Here, the driving circuit is coupled to the light source, and the controller is coupled to the distance sensor, the driving circuit, and the display. The distance sensor can sense the front of the self-sterilizing display device, and when the distance sensor senses that there is no one in front of the self-sterilizing display device, the controller activates the driving circuit to drive the light source.

[0025] In summary, the self-sterilizing display device of any of the embodiments is suitable for thin or narrow frame display devices, and is suitable for application with or without a touch panel. Here, the self-sterilizing display device uses the built-in ultraviolet light source and the light-in layer to irradiate ultraviolet light from the inside to the outside surface, thereby achieving comprehensive and powerful sterilization of the outer surface of the self-sterilizing display device. Moreover, the self-sterilizing display device further avoids or reduces damage to the display below by setting at least one line of defense below the light-in layer to prevent or reduce ultraviolet light from entering the display below. In this way, the self-sterilizing display device not only has a self-sterilizing function, but also does not significantly reduce the life of the display due to long-term irradiation of ultraviolet light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description serve to explain the application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0028] Figure 2is a cross-sectional schematic view of a second embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a third embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0032] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0033] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an eighth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0035] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a ninth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0036] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a tenth embodiment of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0037] Figure 11 is a top view of a display of some embodiments of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0038] Figure 12 is Figure 11 is a perspective schematic view of a self-sterilizing display device of

[0039] Figure 13 is a functional block diagram of a self-sterilizing display device.

[0040] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional schematic view of some embodiments of a self-sterilizing display device after assembly of the housing.

[0041] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional schematic view of other embodiments of a self-sterilizing display device after assembly of the housing.

[0042] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional schematic view of yet other embodiments of a self-sterilizing display device after assembly of the housing.

[0043] Reference Signs

[0044] 10: self-sterilizing display device

[0045] 10a: outer surface

[0046] 110: display

[0047] 110a: upper surface

[0048] 111: polarizing plate

[0049] 112: backlight module

[0050] 114: display panel

[0051] 116: thin film chip on film (COF) flat cable

[0052] 120: light-in layer

[0053] 120a: upper surface

[0054] 120b: lower surface

[0055] 120c: side edge

[0056] 122: reflective layer

[0057] 124: light-shielding layer

[0058] 124a: upper surface

[0059] 126: ion plating film

[0060] 128: microstructure

[0061] 130: light source

[0062] 130a: light-out surface

[0063] 132: prism

[0064] 134: light-emitting unit

[0065] 140: turning layer

[0066] 142: specular reflective layer

[0067] 142': ion plating film

[0068] 150: adhesive layer

[0069] 152: first adhesive layer

[0070] 153: first adhesive layer

[0071] 154: second adhesive layer

[0072] 155: second adhesive layer

[0073] 157: another adhesive layer

[0074] 160: light-absorbing particle

[0075] 170: touch panel

[0076] 170a: upper surface

[0077] 170b: lower surface

[0078] 174: light shielding layer

[0079] 174a: upper surface

[0080] 176: plasmonic coating

[0081] 180: transparent protective layer

[0082] 182: fluorescent pattern

[0083] 190: light guide plate

[0084] 190': adhesive layer

[0085] 190": middle spacer layer

[0086] 192: reflector

[0087] 194: space

[0088] 210: driving circuit

[0089] 220: distance detector

[0090] 230: controller

[0091] 240: circuit board

[0092] 250: heat dissipation member

[0093] 260: housing

[0094] Luv: ultraviolet light

[0095] Lfs: fluorescence DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative work under the premise that the embodiments in the present application are within the scope of protection of the present application. The drawing numbers in the present application are only used to distinguish each step in the solutions, and are not used to limit the execution order of each step, and the specific execution order is subject to the description in the specification.

[0097] Referring to Figure 1A self-sterilizing display device 10 is disclosed, which has an ultraviolet (LUV) sterilization function. This self-sterilizing display device 10 includes a display 110, a light-incident layer 120, a light source 130, and a steering layer 140. The ultraviolet (LUV) light generated by the light source 130 is used to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. Here, the display 110 provides the display function of the self-sterilizing display device 10.

[0098] like Figure 1 As shown, the light-incident layer 120 is located above the display 110. In this embodiment, the light-incident layer 120 is disposed on the display surface of the display 110 (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 The upper surface 110a shown is the position closer to the user viewing the content displayed on the self-sterilizing display device 10. Therefore, the light-incident layer 120 is a transparent material layer that allows visible light to pass through. In some embodiments, the light-incident layer 120 includes an upper surface 120a, a lower surface 120b, and a plurality of sides 120c, with each side 120c coupled between the upper surface 120a and the lower surface 120b.

[0099] Light source 130 is an ultraviolet light source capable of emitting ultraviolet (Luv) light. In one embodiment, light source 130 is located around the light-receiving layer 120, with its emitting surface 130a facing the light-receiving layer 120, and it emits ultraviolet (Luv) light towards the light-receiving layer 120. The ultraviolet (Luv) light emitted by light source 130 has a wavelength of less than or equal to 380 nm and includes ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). In some embodiments, light source 130 is an ultraviolet LED (light-emitting diode). It should be understood that, herein, "around the periphery of a layer" means near the side edge of the layer, or near the upper surface of the layer near the side edge, or near the lower surface of the layer near the side edge. In other words, the light source 130 may be located near the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120, or near the upper surface 120a near the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120, or near the lower surface 120b near the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120.

[0100] The turning layer 140 is located on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120. The turning layer 140 can be used to change the light path direction of the ultraviolet light Luv. In other words, in the light-in layer 120, the ultraviolet light Luv whose light path is directed to the turning layer 140 can change its light path direction via the turning layer 140 so that its light path direction is directed to the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120, and further, the ultraviolet light Luv is emitted from the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. Meanwhile, the turning layer 140 can also avoid or reduce the ultraviolet light Luv from being incident to the display 110 below to damage the display 110. In some embodiments, the turning layer 140 can be a high-refractive material. In some embodiments, the turning layer 140 can be formed by film-forming using inorganic materials or organic materials to form a high-refractive thin film on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120. At this time, the turning layer 140 is a light-transmitting material. The film-forming can be achieved by using techniques such as sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), spray pyrolysis, etc. In a specific embodiment, the turning layer 140 can be a complete layer thin film. In another specific embodiment, the turning layer 140 can also be a thin film pattern after being processed by patterning.

[0101] In some embodiments, the turning layer 140 can be an ultraviolet Luv-resistant plasma coating film. In other words, such an ultraviolet Luv-resistant plasma coating film can block the ultraviolet light Luv, i.e., has a lower transmittance of the ultraviolet light Luv. For example, the plasma coating film can be an anti-reflection (AR) coating film, an anti-glare (AG) coating film, an Anti-Smudge (AS) coating film, or an Anti-fingerprint (AF) coating film. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet Luv-resistant plasma coating film is particularly capable of blocking ultraviolet C (UVC). In some embodiments, the ultraviolet Luv-resistant plasma coating film is particularly capable of blocking ultraviolet C in the wavelength band of 200 nm to 280 nm, and the transmittance of these ultraviolet Luv-resistant plasma coating films in the wavelength band of 200 nm to 280 nm is less than 65%. In some embodiments, the plasma coating film can also be replaced by other optical coating films with similar functions.

[0102] In some embodiments, the turning layer 140 is bonded to the display 110 by the adhesive layer 150. In other words, the lower surface of the turning layer 140 is attached to the upper surface 110a of the display 110 via the adhesive layer 150. The adhesive layer 150 can be an optical adhesive, such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or an optical clear resin (OCR).

[0103] In some embodiments, a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv can be distributed within the adhesive layer 150. In other words, the light-absorbing particles 160 thereby absorb the ultraviolet light Luv that is incident into the adhesive layer 150, so as to further avoid or reduce the ultraviolet light Luv from being incident into the display 110 below to damage the display 110.

[0104] In one specific embodiment, the light source 130 can be disposed at and face the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120. In this case, the ultraviolet light Luv generated by the light source 130 is incident into the light-in layer 120 from the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120.

[0105] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include a reflective layer 122. The reflective layer 122 is disposed on the upper surface 120a and the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 opposite to the light source 130. For example, the reflective layer 122 is disposed on the upper surface 120a near the side edge 120c, and the light source 130 is disposed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 near the side edge 120c. Moreover, the light emitting surface 130a of the light source 130 faces the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120. The reflective layer 122 can change the direction of the light path of the ultraviolet light Luv. In other words, the light source 130 emits the ultraviolet light Luv into the light-in layer 120 toward the reflective layer 122, so that the ultraviolet light Luv incident into the light-in layer 120 can sequentially change the direction of the light path via the reflective layer 122 and the turning layer 140 to be emitted from the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120, thereby irradiating and sterilizing the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. Based on this, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can be designed with a narrow frame, and can also avoid water vapor directly entering the light source 130. Therefore, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can be suitable for outdoor displays.

[0106] In some embodiments, the reflective layer 122 and the light source 130 are respectively located on the upper surface 120a and the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 in mutual alignment. In other words, the reflective layer 122 is disposed on the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 and abuts against the edge of the light-in layer 120. The light source 130 is disposed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 and is located directly below the reflective layer 122. Moreover, the light emitting surface 130a of the light source 130 faces the reflective layer 122 via the light-in layer 120.

[0107] In one specific embodiment, the reflective layer 122 can be a film block formed by patterning a film layer, which only covers above the light source 130. In another specific embodiment, the reflective layer 122 can surround the entire edge of the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120. In other words, the reflective layer 122 can be a film frame formed by patterning a film layer.

[0108] In some embodiments, the reflective layer 122 can have high reflectivity. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 122 can be made of a light-shielding material. The light-shielding material can be a metal, such as silver, aluminum, or the like.

[0109] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include a light-shielding layer 124. The light-shielding layer 124 is located on the reflective layer 122. In other words, the reflective layer 122 is sandwiched between the light-shielding layer 124 and the light-in layer 120. The light-shielding layer 124 can shield the edge light leakage and / or the underlying metal circuit. In this case, the reflective layer 122 can be made of a light-shielding material or a light-transmitting material. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 124 can be a black matrix frame (BM frame), i.e., a hollow frame surrounding the entire edge of the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 124 can be made of a light-shielding material. For example, the light-shielding layer 124 can be a frame-shaped pattern formed by screen printing or photolithography using a light-shielding material mixed with carbon black or black pigment and resin.

[0110] In some embodiments, the light-in layer 120 can be a glass plate or a plastic plate. Taking the glass plate as the light-in layer 120 as an example, the lower surface 120b of the glass plate is attached to the upper surface of the turning layer 140. The upper surface 120a of the glass plate or the plasmonic film 126 thereon is the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. In this case, the self-sterilizing display device 10 is a general display device, i.e., without touch input function.

[0111] In other embodiments, the light-in layer 120 can also be a touch panel. In this case, the touch panel does not have any light-shielding material at the positions corresponding to the light sources 130. In this case, the self-sterilizing display device 10 is a touch display device, i.e., with touch input function. The touch panel can provide the touch input function of the self-sterilizing display device 10.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the self-sterilizing display device 10 is a touch display device, the light-in layer 120 can be the entire touch panel (as shown in FIG. 1A), or can be the uppermost glass plate of the components of the touch panel 170 (as shown in FIG. 1B) or the glass plate above the touch panel 170 (as shown in FIG. 1C). Figure 1 Figure 2 In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1A, the light-in layer 120 can be the entire touch panel 170. In this case, the light-in layer 120 can be made of a light-transmitting material, such as glass or plastic. In some embodiments, the light-in layer 120 can be made of a light-shielding material, such as a black matrix frame (BM frame) 124.

[0113] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1B, the light-in layer 120 can be the uppermost glass plate of the components of the touch panel 170. In this case, the light-in layer 120 can be made of a light-transmitting material, such as glass or plastic. In some embodiments, the light-in layer 120 can be made of a light-shielding material, such as a black matrix frame (BM frame) 124. Figure 2 ​The self-sterilization display device 10 can further include a touch panel 170. The touch panel 170 is located between the turning layer 140 and the display 110. A lower surface 170b of the touch panel 170 is attached to an upper surface 110a of the display 110 via an adhesive layer (hereinafter referred to as a first adhesive layer 152). A lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 is formed with the turning layer 140. In an embodiment, when the light-in layer 120 is a glass plate above the touch panel 170, an upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170 is attached to the turning layer 140 via another adhesive layer (hereinafter referred to as a second adhesive layer 154). In another embodiment, when the light-in layer 120 is a glass plate that is the uppermost layer among the components of the touch panel 170 (i.e., the light-in layer 120 is one of the components of the touch panel 170), the upper surfaces of the remaining components of the touch panel 170 are attached to the turning layer 140 via the second adhesive layer 154. The first adhesive layer 152 and the second adhesive layer 154 can be optical adhesive, such as OCA or OCR.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 152 and / or the second adhesive layer 154 can be distributed with light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing ultraviolet light Luv. In other words, the light-absorbing particles 160 thereby absorb the ultraviolet light Luv that is incident into the adhesive layer (i.e., the first adhesive layer 152 / second adhesive layer 154), so as to further avoid or reduce the ultraviolet light Luv from being incident onto the display 110 below and damaging the display 110. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer 152 and the second adhesive layer 154 can each be mixed with light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv that is incident on the light path to the display 110. In another embodiment, only the first adhesive layer 152 can be mixed with light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv, and the second adhesive layer 154 is a simple adhesive layer (i.e., without any light-absorbing particles 160 distributed inside). In yet another embodiment, only the second adhesive layer 154 can be mixed with light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv, and the first adhesive layer 152 is a simple adhesive material (i.e., without any light-absorbing particles 160 distributed inside).

[0115] In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light Luv emitted by the light source 130 enters the light-in layer 120 from the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120, and in the light-in layer 120, the ultraviolet light Luv directed to the turning layer 140 (i.e. from the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120 to the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120) can change the light path direction via the turning layer 140 to have the light path direction toward the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120, and further, the ultraviolet light Luv can exit from the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. At this time, the light source 130 is adhered to the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120, and the ultraviolet light Luv generated by the light source 130 directly sterilizes the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 via the light-in layer 120 or sterilizes the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 via reflection of the turning layer 140. Therefore, the intensity of the ultraviolet light Luv irradiating the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10 is high, and the sterilization effect is good.

[0116] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can not be provided with the reflection layer 122, but the light-shielding layer 124 is directly provided on the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 124 is formed on the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 and abuts the side edge 120c of the light-in layer 120. At this time, the light-shielding layer 124 can shield the edge light leakage and / or the metal circuit of the device below. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 124 can be a black matrix frame, in other words, the light-shielding layer 124 is hollow and surrounds the entire edge of the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120. In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 124 can be a light-shielding material. For example, the light-shielding layer 124 can be a frame-shaped pattern formed by screen printing or lithography using a light-shielding material mixed with carbon black or black pigment and resin.

[0117] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 or Figure 2 , the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 and the upper surface 124a of the light-shielding layer 124 have the plasmonic coating 126 allowing the ultraviolet light Luv to penetrate. In other words, such plasmonic coating 126 does not filter out the ultraviolet light Luv from the light-in layer 120, i.e. the ultraviolet light Luv can penetrate the plasmonic coating 126. For example, the plasmonic coating 126 allowing the ultraviolet light Luv to penetrate can be an AR coating, an AG coating, an AS coating, or an AF coating. In some embodiments, the plasmonic coating 126 allowing the ultraviolet light Luv to penetrate has a transmittance greater than 60% in the wavelength band below 380 nm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the light-in layer 120 is disposed between the display 110 and the touch panel 170. In this regard, the light-in layer 120 is positioned above the display surface (i.e., the upper surface 110a) of the display 110. Thus, the light-in layer 120 is a layer of transparent material that allows visible light to pass through.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the self-sterilizing display device 10 is a touch display device, the light-in layer 120 can be disposed between the touch panel 170 and the display 110, in addition to being disposed on the uppermost layer of the self-sterilizing display device 10 (not considering the ion plating film 126 and the patterned reflective layer 122 and light-blocking layer 124), as shown in Figures 3 to 5

[0120] In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include the display 110, the light-in layer 120, the light source 130, the touch panel 170, and the transparent protective layer 180, with reference to Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 .

[0121] The light-in layer 120 is disposed between the display 110 and the touch panel 170. In this regard, the light-in layer 120 is positioned above the display surface (i.e., the upper surface 110a) of the display 110. Thus, the light-in layer 120 is a layer of transparent material that allows visible light to pass through.

[0122] ​The light source 130 is located around the light-receiving layer 120. Specifically, the light source 130 is positioned on the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120, with its emitting surface 130a facing the side 120c. The light source 130 emits ultraviolet light (Luv) towards the light-receiving layer 120, and the emitted Luv enters the light-receiving layer 120 from the wall of the side 120c.

[0123] A transparent protective layer 180 is located between the light-receiving layer 120 and the display 110. Here, the transparent protective layer 180 can filter ultraviolet (UV) light by reflecting or absorbing it, so as to avoid or reduce the UV light incident on the display 110 below, thereby preventing UV light from damaging the display 110.

[0124] In other words, after ultraviolet (UV) light enters the light-receiving layer 120, the UV light directed towards the transparent protective layer 180 (i.e., directed from the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120 to the lower surface 120b of the light-receiving layer 120) can be absorbed or reflected by the transparent protective layer 180, thereby preventing or reducing the UV light from damaging the display 110 below. Meanwhile, the UV light directed towards the touch panel 170 (i.e., directed from the side 120c of the light-receiving layer 120 to the upper surface 120a of the light-receiving layer 120) can be emitted from the upper surface 120a of the light-receiving layer 120 and further penetrate the touch panel 170 to irradiate and sterilize the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10.

[0125] In some embodiments, the light incident layer 120 may be a light guide plate 190, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The light guide plate 190 can be a glass plate, a polystyrene (PS) plastic plate, a PMMA plastic plate, a cycloolefin polymer (COP) plastic plate, a polycarbonate (PC) plastic plate, a cycloolefin copolymer (COC) plastic plate, or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic plate, etc. Preferably, the light incident layer 120 can be a glass plate or a PS plastic plate.

[0126] In some embodiments, the light-incident layer 120 may be an adhesive layer 190', such as Figure 4As shown. The adhesive layer 190' can be an optical adhesive, such as OCA or OCR. Here, the adhesive layer 190' has a high refractive index (e.g., a refractive index greater than 1.45). Specifically, the refractive index of the adhesive layer 190' is greater than the refractive index of the unpatterned areas of the touch panel 170, that is, greater than the refractive index of the portion of the touch panel 170 without ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) lines. Based on this, the ultraviolet light Luv emitted by the light source 130 is guided obliquely through the high-refractive-index adhesive layer 190' to the touch panel 170, thereby irradiating and sterilizing the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170.

[0127] In other embodiments, the light-incident layer 120 may also be a spacer layer 190", such as Figure 5 As shown. In other words, the light-incident layer 120 can be a space 194 filled with air (dust-free or clean) or a vacuum formed between the display 110 and the touch panel 170 by a spacer (e.g., reflector 192) to maintain a predetermined distance between them, such as a spacer (e.g., reflector 192). Figure 5 As shown. Here, the spacer can be used simply to support the space between the display 110 and the touch panel 170, or it can serve both a supporting function and a function of reflecting ultraviolet (LUV) rays.

[0128] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 Taking the light guide plate 190 as an example, the transparent protective layer 180 can be an adhesive layer (hereinafter referred to as the first adhesive layer 153). The lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 190 is attached to the upper surface 110a of the display 110 via the first adhesive layer 153. The upper surface 120a of the light guide plate 190 is attached to the lower surface 170b of the touch panel 170 via another adhesive layer (hereinafter referred to as the second adhesive layer 155). Furthermore, the first adhesive layer 153 contains a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light. Based on this, UV light emitted from the side 120c of the light-incident layer 120 towards the lower surface 120b of the light-incident layer 120 can be absorbed by the light-absorbing particles 160 in the first adhesive layer 153 after emitting light from the lower surface. In contrast, the second adhesive layer 155 does not contain the plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing UV light. The first adhesive layer 153 and the second adhesive layer 155 can be optical adhesives, such as OCA or OCR.

[0129] In some embodiments, the transparent protective layer 180 can include the first adhesive layer 153 and the mirror-like reflective layer 142 described above. The mirror-like reflective layer 142 is formed on the upper surface 110a (e.g., the upper surface of the upper polarizer) of the display 110. This mirror-like reflective layer 142 can reflect the ultraviolet light Luv toward the touch panel 170, so as to block the ultraviolet light Luv from entering the display 110. In some embodiments, the mirror-like reflective layer 142 can be an ultraviolet light Luv resistant ion plating layer 142'. In other words, the ion plating layer 142' can block the ultraviolet light Luv, i.e., has a low ultraviolet light Luv transmittance. For example, the ion plating layer 142' can be an AR plating layer, an AG plating layer, an AS plating layer, or an AF plating layer. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light Luv resistant ion plating layer 142' is particularly capable of blocking the ultraviolet light CC. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet light Luv resistant ion plating layer is particularly capable of blocking the ultraviolet light C in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm, and has a transmittance of less than 65% in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm.

[0130] In some embodiments, the lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 190 can further be formed with a plurality of microstructures 128. The microstructures 128 can change the direction of the ultraviolet light Luv that is emitted from the side edge 120c of the light guide plate 190 toward the lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 120. Moreover, by designing the microstructures 128, the ultraviolet light Luv that is emitted toward the lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 120 can be reflected toward the upper surface 120a of the light guide plate 120, i.e., the optical path of the ultraviolet light Luv is changed from being directed toward the lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 120 to being directed toward the upper surface 120a of the light guide plate 120. In one specific embodiment, the microstructures 128 can be arranged in a disordered manner on the lower surface 120b of the light guide plate 190. In another specific embodiment, the microstructures 128 can be arranged corresponding to the black matrix of the display 110. Each microstructure 128 can be, for example, a conical groove, a triangular column groove, or an arc groove.

[0131] In some embodiments, the size of each microstructure 128 is less than or equal to about one fifth of the size of each pixel of the display 110. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of each microstructure 128 can be about 10 μm to 20 μm.

[0132] In some embodiments, the display 110 can further include a light source 130. The light source 130 can be configured to emit the ultraviolet light Luv toward the light guide plate 190. In some embodiments, the light source 130 can be configured to emit the ultraviolet light Luv toward the light guide plate 190 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 110a of the display 110. Figure 4For example, the transparent protective layer 180 can include a polarizing plate 111. The polarizing plate 111 is the uppermost component of the display 110. The adhesive layer 190' adheres the lower surface 170b of the touch panel 170 to the upper surface 110a of the polarizing plate 111. The polarizing plate 111 includes a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing ultraviolet light Luv. Thus, the ultraviolet light Luv that is emitted from the lower surface 120b of the adhesive layer 190' can be absorbed by the light-absorbing particles 160 in the polarizing plate 111, thereby avoiding or reducing the incidence of the ultraviolet light Luv on the display 110 below, and thus avoiding damage to the display 110. In other words, the upper polarizing plate 111 of the display 110 is directly used as a protective layer (i.e., the transparent protective layer 180) for preventing the ultraviolet light from entering the display 110.

[0133] In some embodiments, the transparent protective layer 180 can further include an anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142'. The anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' is formed on the upper surface 110a of the polarizing plate 111 and adheres to the lower surface 170b of the touch panel 170 via the adhesive layer 190'. The anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' can block the ultraviolet light Luv, i.e., has a low ultraviolet light Luv transmittance, thereby avoiding the incidence of the ultraviolet light Luv on the display 110 and thus avoiding damage to the display 110. At this time, the polarizing plate 111 can or can not include the light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv. For example, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' can be an AR coating, an AG coating, an AS coating, or an AF coating. In some embodiments, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' is particularly capable of blocking ultraviolet light C. In some embodiments, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating is particularly capable of blocking ultraviolet light C in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm, and the transmittance of these anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coatings 142' in the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm is less than 65%.

[0134] In some embodiments, the transparent protective layer 180 can further include another adhesive layer 157. The polarizing plate 111 is adhered to other components of the display 110 with the other adhesive layer 157, and the other adhesive layer 157 has a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 distributed therein for absorbing ultraviolet rays Luv. Thus, the ultraviolet rays Luv that penetrate the polarizing plate 111 can be further absorbed by the light-absorbing particles 160 in the other adhesive layer 157, so as to avoid or reduce the incidence on the display 110 below, thereby avoiding damage to the display 110 by the ultraviolet rays Luv. At this time, the polarizing plate 111 can be designed to have the light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet rays Luv or not, according to actual needs. Similarly, the upper surface 110a of the polarizing plate 111 can also be designed to directly contact the adhesive layer 190' (i.e., without the ion plating film 142' formed thereon) or indirectly contact the adhesive layer 190' (i.e., with the ion plating film 142' formed thereon), according to actual needs. The other adhesive layer 157 can be an optical adhesive, such as OCA or OCR.

[0135] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 or Figure 4 , the light source 130 is arranged corresponding to the light-blocking layer 174 of the touch panel 170. In a specific embodiment, the light source 130 is adhered below the light-blocking layer 174 of the touch panel 170, and the light-emitting surface 130a of the light source 130 is embedded with the adhesive layer 190', as shown in Figure 4 .

[0136] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5 , the middle space layer 190" can include a space 194 between the display 110 and the touch panel 170, and a reflecting member 192, and the reflecting member 192 and the light source 130 are arranged around the space 194. In other words, the reflecting member 192 and the light source 130 surround the side edges of the middle space layer 190". For example, the reflecting member 192 can be a frame-shaped reflecting plate, and the frame-shaped reflecting plate is arranged along the edges of the middle space layer 190". The light source 130 is embedded on the frame-shaped reflecting plate or arranged on the inner wall of the frame-shaped reflecting plate. Based on this, the ultraviolet rays Luv scattered in the space 194 can be reflected by the reflecting plate arranged on the opposite side or / and the periphery of the light source 130 for reuse.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5 , the light-emitting surface 130a of the light source 130 can be provided with a prism 132. The ultraviolet rays Luv emitted by the light source 130 are refracted by the prism 132 and then enter the space 194, so that the ultraviolet rays Luv are scattered in the space 194.

[0138] In some embodiments, referring toFigure 5 The transparent protective layer 180 can include a polarizer 111. The polarizer 111 is the uppermost component of the display 110. The polarizer 111 is located at the bottom of the space 194. In other words, the upper surface 110a of the polarizer 111 is the lower surface of the middle spacer layer 190". The polarizer 111 includes a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv. Thus, the ultraviolet light Luv incident on the polarizer 111 from the space 194 is absorbed by the light-absorbing particles 160 after the ultraviolet light Luv is incident on the polarizer 111. Thus, the ultraviolet light Luv can be prevented or reduced from being incident on the display 110 below, thereby preventing the display 110 from being damaged by the ultraviolet light Luv. In other words, the polarizer 111 of the display 110 is directly used as a protective layer (i.e., the transparent protective layer 180) for preventing the ultraviolet light from being incident on the display 110.

[0139] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5 The transparent protective layer 180 can further include an anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142'. The anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' is formed on the upper surface 110a of the polarizer 111 and is located at the bottom of the space 194. In other words, the upper surface of the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' is the lower surface of the middle spacer layer 190". The anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' can block the ultraviolet light Luv, i.e., has a low transmittance of the ultraviolet light Luv, thereby preventing the ultraviolet light Luv from being incident on the display 110 and damaging the display 110. At this time, the polarizer 111 can or can not include the light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet light Luv. For example, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' can be an AR coating, an AG coating, an AS coating, or an AF coating. In some embodiments, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating 142' is particularly capable of blocking the ultraviolet light C. In some embodiments, the anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coating is particularly capable of blocking the ultraviolet light C in the wavelength band of 200 nm to 280 nm, and the transmittance of these anti-ultraviolet Luv plasma coatings 142' in the wavelength band of 200 nm to 280 nm is less than 65%.

[0140] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5The transparent protective layer 180 can further include another adhesive layer 157. The polarizing plate 111 is adhered to other components of the display 110 with the other adhesive layer 157, and the other adhesive layer 157 has a plurality of light-absorbing particles 160 distributed therein for absorbing ultraviolet rays Luv. Thus, the ultraviolet rays Luv that penetrate the polarizing plate 111 can be further absorbed by the light-absorbing particles 160 in the other adhesive layer 157, so as to avoid or reduce the incidence on the display 110 below, thereby avoiding damage to the display 110 by the ultraviolet rays Luv. At this time, the polarizing plate 111 can be designed to have the light-absorbing particles 160 for absorbing the ultraviolet rays Luv or not, according to actual needs. Similarly, the upper surface 110a of the polarizing plate 111 can also be designed to directly contact the adhesive layer 190' (i.e., without the ion plating film 142' formed thereon) or indirectly contact the adhesive layer 190' (i.e., with the ion plating film 142' formed thereon), according to actual needs.

[0141] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5 , the light-blocking layer 174 of the touch panel 170 abutting the lower surface 170b can be disposed on the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170. In other words, the light-blocking layer 174 is disposed on the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170 directly along the edge of the touch panel 170. In this case, the light-blocking layer 124 can shield the edge light leakage and / or the metal circuit of the device below. At this time, the light source 130 is disposed corresponding to the light-blocking layer 174. For example, the light source 130 is adhered to the lower surface 170b of the touch panel 170 below the light-blocking layer 174, and the light-emitting surface 130a of the light source 130 faces the space 194, as shown in Figure 5 In some embodiments, the light-blocking layer 174 can be a black matrix frame. In some embodiments, the light-blocking layer 174 can be a light-blocking material. For example, the light-blocking layer 174 can be a frame-shaped pattern of the light-blocking material formed by screen printing or lithography, which is a mixture of carbon black or black pigment and resin.

[0142] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 , the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170 has an ion plating film 176 allowing the ultraviolet rays Luv to penetrate. In other words, the ion plating film 176 does not filter out the ultraviolet rays Luv from the light-in layer 120, i.e., the ultraviolet rays Luv can penetrate the ion plating film 176. For example, the ion plating film 176 allowing the ultraviolet rays Luv to penetrate can be an AR plating film, an AG plating film, an AS plating film, or an AF plating film. In some embodiments, the ion plating film 176 allowing the ultraviolet rays Luv to penetrate has a transmittance greater than 60% in the wavelength band below 380 nm.

[0143] In some embodiments, the plasmonic coating 176 that allows the ultraviolet light Luv to penetrate is also formed on the upper surface 174a of the light shielding layer 174, as shown in Figure 5 .

[0144] In some embodiments, the aforementioned light absorbing particles 160 are ultraviolet light absorbers, such as phenyl salicylate.

[0145] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 to 10 , the self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include a fluorescent pattern 182. The fluorescent pattern 182 is disposed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120. Upon incidence of the ultraviolet light Luv to the light-in layer 120, the ultraviolet light Luv excites the fluorescent pattern 182, and thus the fluorescent pattern 182 emits fluorescent light Lfs as a sterilization warning. That is, when the light source 130 emits the ultraviolet light Luv, the fluorescent pattern 182 is excited by the ultraviolet light Luv and also emits the fluorescent light Lfs toward the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. In this way, the user can know that the self-sterilizing display device 10 is being sterilized by the ultraviolet light Luv by seeing the fluorescent light Lfs from the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. In some embodiments, the fluorescent pattern 182 can be a warning text or a warning graphic. In some embodiments, the fluorescent light Lfs emitted by the fluorescent pattern 182 is of a different color system from the plasmonic coating 126 / 176, and the fluorescent light Lfs emitted by the fluorescent pattern 182 is also of a different color system from the turning layer 140 or the mirror-like reflective layer 142. In this way, the contrast of the fluorescent light Lfs can be improved, and thus the fluorescent light Lfs can be easily seen.

[0146] In some examples, the fluorescent pattern 182 can be disposed between the light-in layer 120 and the display 110. For example, referring to Figure 6 , a fluorescent material is deposited on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120, and then patterned into a predetermined pattern (e.g., a predetermined warning text or a predetermined warning graphic) to form the fluorescent pattern 182 on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120, and then the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 is adhered to the upper surface 110a of the display 110 by the adhesive layer 150. In another example, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a fluorescent material is deposited on the upper surface 110a of the display 110, and then patterned into a predetermined pattern to form the fluorescent pattern 182 on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120, and then the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 is adhered to the upper surface 110a of the display 110 by the adhesive layer 150. In yet another example, referring to Figure 9The fluorescent material is formed on the upper surface 110a of the display 110 and then patterned into a predetermined pattern, i.e., the fluorescent pattern 182 is formed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120, and then the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 is bonded to the upper surface 110a of the display 110 with the spacer.

[0147] In another embodiment, the fluorescent pattern 182 can be disposed between the light-in layer 120 and the touch panel 170. For example, referring to Figure 10 The fluorescent material is formed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 and then patterned into a predetermined pattern (e.g., a predetermined prompt character or a predetermined prompt figure), i.e., the fluorescent pattern 182 is formed on the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120, and then the lower surface 120b of the light-in layer 120 is bonded to the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170 with the second adhesive layer 154.

[0148] In some embodiments, the fluorescent material forming the fluorescent pattern 182 can be an organic fluorescent powder (i.e., a fluorescent dye) with an excitation wavelength of 365 nm, an inorganic fluorescent pigment with an excitation wavelength of 365 nm, an inorganic fluorescent pigment with an excitation wavelength of 254 nm, or an organic fluorescent pigment with an excitation wavelength of 254 nm, etc.

[0149] In some embodiments, the display 110 can be a self-luminous display or a non-self-luminous display. The non-self-luminous display can include a backlight module 112 and a display panel 114 stacked in sequence, as shown in Figures 1 to 5 The lower surface of the display panel 114 is bonded to the backlight module 112, and the upper surface of the display panel 114 is the upper surface 110a of the display 110. The non-self-luminous display can be, for example, an LCD (liquid-crystal display) or electronic paper, etc. The self-luminous display can be, for example, a PDP (plasma display panel), an EL (Electroluminescence) display, an LED (light-emitting diode) display, or a VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display), etc.

[0150] In some embodiments, the light source 130 can include a plurality of light-emitting units 134, and the light-emitting units 134 are located between a plurality of COF (Chip On Film) type wirings 116 of the display 110, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, each light-emitting unit 134 can be implemented by one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0151] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 The self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include a driving circuit 210, a distance detector 220, and a controller 230. The driving circuit 210 is coupled to the light source 130. The controller 230 is coupled to the distance detector 220, the driving circuit 210, the touch panel 170, and the display 110. The controller 230 is configured to control the operations of the driving circuit 210, the touch panel 170, and the display 110. The distance detector 220 detects the front of the self-sterilizing display device 10. When the distance detector 220 detects that there is no one in front of the self-sterilizing display device 10, the controller 230 activates the driving circuit 210 to drive the light source 130 (i.e., to cause the light source 130 to emit the ultraviolet light Luv).

[0152] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The controller 230 can be disposed on the circuit board 240. In one specific embodiment, the driving circuit 210 can be disposed on the circuit board 240. In another specific embodiment, the driving circuit 210 can also be disposed on the substrate of the light source 130 together with the light emitting unit 134.

[0153] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The self-sterilizing display device 10 can further include a heat dissipation member 250 and a housing 260. The components (e.g., the components of the display 110, the light-in layer 120, the light source 130, and the turning layer 140 shown in one specific embodiment, or the components of the display 110, the light-in layer 120, the light source 130, the touch panel 170, and the transparent protective layer 180 shown in another specific embodiment) are accommodated in the receiving space of the housing 260. The upper surface 10a (i.e., the upper surface of the uppermost component, e.g., the upper surface 120a of the light-in layer 120 shown in one specific embodiment, or the upper surface 170a of the touch panel 170 shown in another specific embodiment) of the self-sterilizing display device 10 is embedded at the opening (i.e., the opening of the receiving space) of the housing 260. The heat dissipation member 250 is coupled to the housing 260 and the light source 130, respectively, and can conduct the heat generated by the light source 130 to the housing 260. For example, one surface of the heat dissipation member 250 is attached to the light source 130, and another surface of the heat dissipation member 250 is attached to the wall surface (e.g., the inner wall of the housing 260) of the housing 260.

[0154] In some applications, the self-sterilizing display device 10 of any embodiment can be applied on a notebook computer (e.g., as a display component) so that self-sterilization (i.e., sterilization of the screen) can be performed after the display component and the host component of the notebook computer are closed, and / or the keyboard on the host component can be sterilized. In other applications, the self-sterilizing display device 10 of any embodiment can be applied in a car (e.g., as an in-car display screen) so that self-sterilization (i.e., sterilization of the in-car display screen) can be performed after the car is turned off. In yet other applications, the self-sterilizing display device 10 of any embodiment can be applied on a medical display or an electronic whiteboard so that self-sterilization (i.e., sterilization of the medical display or the electronic whiteboard) can be performed when no one is using it. In still other applications, the self-sterilizing display device 10 of any embodiment can also be used to sterilize objects thereon, such as placing dishes on the screen of a handheld device with the sterilization function turned on or covering the screen of a handheld device with the sterilization function turned on on a surface to be sterilized.

[0155] In summary, the self-sterilizing display device 10 of any embodiment is suitable for thin or narrow frame display devices and is suitable for applications with or without a touch panel 170. Here, the self-sterilizing display device 10 uses the built-in UV light source 130 and the light-in layer 120 to irradiate the UV light from the inside to the outer surface 10a, thereby achieving comprehensive and powerful sterilization of the outer surface 10a of the self-sterilizing display device 10. Moreover, the self-sterilizing display device 10 avoids or reduces the UV light from being incident on the display 110 below and damaging the display 110 by providing at least one protective line below the light-in layer 120. In this way, the self-sterilizing display device 10 not only has a self-sterilization function, but also does not significantly reduce the lifespan of the display 110 due to long-term irradiation of the UV light. In some embodiments, the self-sterilization function of the self-sterilizing display device 10 can be activated in a passive sterilization manner. That is, the self-sterilizing display device 10 turns on the UV light source 130 to perform sterilization only when no one is around. In some embodiments, the self-sterilizing display device 10 has a warning function that emits fluorescent light as a warning when performing surface sterilization.

Claims

1. A self-sterilizing display device, comprising: a display; a light-in layer above the display; a light source at a periphery of the light-in layer, the light source having an emitting surface facing the light-in layer to emit ultraviolet rays toward the light-in layer to irradiate and sterilize an outer surface of the self-sterilizing display device; a turning layer below a lower surface of the light-in layer to change a light path direction of the ultraviolet rays; and a reflective layer to change the light path direction of the ultraviolet rays, the light source being on the lower surface of the light-in layer, the emitting surface of the light source facing the lower surface of the light-in layer, and the reflective layer being disposed on an upper surface of the light-in layer corresponding to the light source, wherein the reflective layer is a thin film frame formed by patterning a thin film layer to cover an entire edge of the upper surface of the light-in layer, or the reflective layer is a thin film block formed by patterning the thin film layer to cover only above the light source. 2.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing; and a heat sink having a surface attached to the light source and another surface attached to a wall surface of the housing. 3.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, further comprising: a light-blocking layer on the reflective layer. 4.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 3, wherein the upper surface of the light-in layer and an upper surface of the light-blocking layer have an ion plating film allowing the ultraviolet rays to pass through. 5.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 4, wherein the ion plating film has a transmittance of greater than 60% in a wavelength band of 380 nm or less. 6.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, wherein the turning layer is an ultraviolet-resistant ion plating film. 7.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 6, wherein the ion plating film has a transmittance of less than 65% in a wavelength band of 200 nm to 280 nm. 8.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 6, wherein the turning layer is bonded to the display with an adhesive layer. 9.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 8, wherein the adhesive layer has a plurality of light-absorbing particles distributed therein to absorb the ultraviolet rays. 10.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, wherein the light-in layer is a touch panel. 11.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, wherein the emitting surface of the light source faces a side edge of the light-in layer. 12.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 11, further comprising: a light-blocking layer on the light-in layer. 13.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 12, wherein an upper surface of the light-in layer and an upper surface of the light-blocking layer have an ion plating film allowing the ultraviolet rays to pass through. 14.The self-sterilizing display device of claim 1, further comprising: a touch panel having a lower surface attached to an upper surface of the display via a first adhesive layer and having an upper surface attached to the turning layer via a second adhesive layer, wherein the light-in layer is a glass plate. ​ ​ 15. The self-sterilization display device of claim 14, wherein a plurality of light absorbing particles for absorbing the ultraviolet rays are distributed in the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.

16. The self-sterilization display device of claim 1, further comprising: a touch panel, a lower surface of the touch panel being attached to an upper surface of the display via a first adhesive layer, wherein the light-in layer is a glass plate that is an uppermost layer among a plurality of components of the touch panel, and the turning layer is attached to remaining components among the plurality of components of the touch panel via a second adhesive layer.

17. The self-sterilization display device of claim 16, wherein a plurality of light absorbing particles for absorbing the ultraviolet rays are distributed in the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.

18. The self-sterilization display device of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting units, and the plurality of light emitting units are located between a plurality of chip on film (COF) type flexible printed circuit boards of the display.

19. The self-sterilization display device of claim 1, further comprising: a fluorescent pattern located below the light-in layer, the fluorescent pattern emitting fluorescence via excitation by the ultraviolet rays.

20. The self-sterilization display device of claim 1, further comprising: a driving circuit coupled to the light source; a distance detector detecting a front of the self-sterilization display device; and a controller coupled to the distance detector, the driving circuit, and the display, wherein the controller activates the driving circuit to drive the light source when the distance detector detects that there is no person in front of the self-sterilization display device. ​

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