Electronic paper and electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses an electronic paper and an electronic device. The electronic paper comprises a substrate, the substrate comprises a central region and an edge region surrounding the central region at least partially; at least one driving module and at least one signal trace are arranged on at least one side of the substrate, and the gate of the driving module is connected with the signal trace; a film sheet comprises at least one display element, and the film sheet is arranged on the side of the driving module away from the substrate; at least part of the driving modules are located in the central region, and the signal trace connected with the driving module located in the central region is located in the edge region; at least part of the driving modules are located in the edge region, and the signal trace connected with the driving module located in the edge region is located in the central region. The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application reduces the frame of the electronic paper, and solves the problem that the frame of the electronic paper is large and affects the visual effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to an electronic paper and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display technology, people have increasingly higher requirements for display devices. Electronic paper, due to its lower resolution and simpler clock signals for the driver chip, typically does not use an integrated gate shift register for its gate drive; instead, it directly connects the signal traces to the driver chip output. The large number of horizontal signal traces increases the width of the electronic paper's bezel, affecting the visual effect.

[0003] The large bezels of existing e-paper devices negatively impact visual appeal, making it a pressing technical issue that the industry needs to address. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an electronic paper and an electronic device to solve the problem that the large border of electronic paper affects the visual effect.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides an electronic paper, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a central region and at least a portion of an edge region surrounding the central region; A driving module and at least one signal trace are disposed on at least one side of the substrate, and the gate of the driving module is connected to the signal trace. A film, the film including at least one display element, the film being disposed on the side of the driving module away from the substrate; At least some of the drive modules are located in the central region, and the signal traces connected to the drive modules located in the central region are located in the edge region; At least some of the driver modules are located in the edge region, and the signal traces connected to the driver modules located in the edge region are located in the central region.

[0006] Optionally, the drive module includes a first drive module located in the edge region and a second drive module located in the central region; The signal routing includes a first routing line located in the central area and a second routing line located in the edge area; The first drive module is connected to the first trace, and the second drive module is connected to the second trace; The first driving module and the first trace are located on the same side of the substrate; The second drive module and the second trace are located on the same side of the substrate.

[0007] Optionally, the first driving module and the second driving module are located on the same side of the substrate.

[0008] Optional, e-paper also includes: A first conductive layer disposed on one side of the substrate; A driving circuit layer disposed on the side of the first conductive layer away from the substrate; The first trace and the second trace are located in the first conductive layer, and the first driving module and the second driving module are located in the driving circuit layer. The first trace is connected to the first drive module via a via, and the second trace is connected to the second drive module via a via.

[0009] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the first trace on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the second driving module on the substrate at least partially overlap; The projection of the second trace onto the substrate at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first driving module onto the substrate.

[0010] Optionally, the diaphragm is located on the side of the drive circuit layer away from the substrate; The diaphragm is connected to the first drive module and the second drive module, and the diaphragm is used to display based on the drive signals output by the first drive module and the second drive module.

[0011] Optional, e-paper also includes: An electrostatic ring is positioned on the side of the diaphragm furthest from the substrate. An electrostatic shielding structure is connected between the drive module and the signal trace. The electrostatic shielding structure is connected to an electrostatic ring. The electrostatic shielding structure is used to conduct when the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace is greater than a preset accumulated electrostatic charge, and to guide the electrostatic charge to the electrostatic ring. Preferably, the electrostatic shielding structure is configured to correspond one-to-one with the signal trace.

[0012] Optionally, the electrostatic shielding structure includes at least two electrostatic components connected in parallel; The electrostatic component includes at least two electrostatic units connected in series; Preferably, the electrostatic shielding structure includes: a first electrostatic component and a second electrostatic component; the first electrostatic component includes a first electrostatic unit and a third electrostatic unit, and the second electrostatic component includes a second electrostatic unit and a fourth electrostatic unit; The first end of the first electrostatic unit and the first end of the second electrostatic unit are connected to the signal trace; the second end of the first electrostatic unit is connected to the first end of the third electrostatic unit, and the second end of the third electrostatic unit is connected to the electrostatic ring; the second end of the second electrostatic unit is connected to the first end of the fourth electrostatic unit, and the second end of the fourth electrostatic unit is connected to the electrostatic ring.

[0013] Optionally, the electrostatic unit may include a thin-film transistor structure.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device including the electronic paper proposed in any of the first aspects.

[0015] The electronic paper provided in this embodiment of the invention connects the gate of the driving module to signal traces, and the diaphragm including the display element is disposed on the side of the driving module away from the substrate. At least a portion of the driving module is located in the central region, and the signal traces connected to the driving module located in the central region are located in the edge region. This arrangement allows the signal traces to be routed in both the displayable central region and the displayable edge region, increasing the routing space for the signal traces. Furthermore, the display elements corresponding to both the edge and central regions can be displayed, achieving full-screen display of the electronic paper, reducing the bezel size, and solving the problem of large bezels affecting the visual effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the present invention that provides a method along... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA' direction; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another electronic paper structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second driving module and a second wiring for electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first driving module and a first trace of electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic shielding structure and an electrostatic ring for electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0019] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this embodiment proposes the following solutions: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the present invention that provides a method along... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA' direction. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another electronic paper structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Combined with...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electronic paper provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: a substrate 1, the substrate 1 including a central region 10 and an edge region 20 at least partially surrounding the central region 10; a driving module 2 and at least one signal trace 3 disposed on at least one side of the substrate 1, the gate of the driving module 2 being connected to the signal trace 3; a diaphragm 4, the diaphragm 4 including at least one display element, the diaphragm 4 being disposed on the side of the driving module 2 away from the substrate 1; at least a portion of the driving module 2 being located in the central region 10, and the signal trace 3 connected to the driving module 2 located in the central region 10 being located in the edge region 20; at least a portion of the driving module 2 being located in the edge region 20, and the signal trace 3 connected to the driving module 2 located in the edge region 20 being located in the central region 10.

[0020] Specifically, the material of substrate 1 may include glass or polyimide (PI). When substrate 1 is made of a transparent material, the electronic paper can achieve double-sided transparent display. Substrate 1 may be divided into a central region 10 located in the middle and an edge region 20 at least partially surrounding the central region 10. The gate of driving module 2 is connected to signal trace 3, and the other end of signal trace 3 is connected to driving chip. Driving module 2 may include driving transistor, and the gate of driving transistor is connected to signal trace 3. Signal trace 3 receives driving signals output by driving chip and transmits driving signals to the gate of driving module 2 to drive the display element on film 4 to display, thereby realizing the electronic paper display.

[0021] At least some of the driving modules 2 are located in the central region 10, and at least some of the driving modules 2 are located in the edge region 20. This arrangement ensures that both the central region 10 and the edge region 20 have driving modules 2, and after the driving modules 2 in the central region 10 and the edge region 20 are connected to the diaphragm 4, the display elements corresponding to the edge region 20 and the central region 10 are displayed, realizing a full-screen display of electronic paper and reducing the bezel of electronic paper.

[0022] The signal trace 3 connected to the drive module 2 located in the central region 10 is located in the edge region 20. The signal trace 3 connected to the drive module 2 located in the edge region 20 is located in the central region 10. This allows the signal trace 3 to be routed in both the central region 10 and the edge region 20 that can be displayed, increasing the routing space of the signal trace 3, further reducing the bezel of the electronic paper, and improving the visual effect of the electronic paper.

[0023] The technical solution provided in this embodiment connects the gate of the driving module 2 to the signal trace 3, and the diaphragm 4, including the display element, is disposed on the side of the driving module 2 away from the substrate 1. At least a portion of the driving module 2 is located in the central region 10, and the signal trace 3 connected to the driving module 2 located in the central region 10 is located in the edge region 20. This arrangement allows the signal trace 3 to be routed in both the displayable central region 10 and the displayable edge region 20, increasing the routing space for the signal trace 3. Furthermore, the display elements corresponding to both the edge region 20 and the central region 10 can be displayed, achieving a full-screen display for electronic paper, reducing the bezel of the electronic paper, and solving the problem of a large bezel affecting the visual effect.

[0024] Optional, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second driving module and the second wiring of an electronic paper according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first driving module and a first trace of electronic paper according to an embodiment of the present invention. Combined with... Figures 3 to 5 Based on the above embodiments, the driving module 2 may include a first driving module 21 located in the edge region 20 and a second driving module 22 located in the central region 10; the signal trace 3 includes a first trace 31 located in the central region 10 and a second trace 32 located in the edge region 20; the first driving module 21 is connected to the first trace 31, and the second driving module 22 is connected to the second trace 32; the first driving module 21 and the first trace 31 are located on the same side of the substrate 1; the second driving module 22 and the second trace 32 are located on the same side of the substrate 1.

[0025] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The first driving module 21 is connected to the first trace 31, and the first trace 31 connected to the first driving module 21 located in the edge region 20 is located in the central region 10. The first trace 31 connected to the first driving module 21 located in the edge region 20 extends from the edge region 20 to the central region 10 and extends towards the end of the electronic paper closer to the driving chip.

[0026] See also Figure 4The second driving module 22 is connected to the second trace 32, and the second trace 32 connected to the second driving module 22 located in the central region 10 is located in the edge region 20. The second trace 32 connected to the second driving module 22 located in the central region 10 extends from the central region 10 to the edge region 20 and extends towards the end of the electronic paper closer to the driving chip.

[0027] See also Figure 3 The first driving module 21 and the first trace 31 are located on the same side of the substrate 1, and the second driving module 22 and the second trace 32 are also located on the same side of the substrate 1. This facilitates the connection between the first driving module 21 and the first trace 31, and between the second driving module 22 and the second trace 32. This arrangement effectively increases the wiring space for the first trace 31 and the second trace 32, thereby reducing the size of the bezel occupied by either the first trace 31 or the second trace 32. This configuration enables the electronic paper to achieve a narrow bezel.

[0028] Optional, see below Figure 3 Based on the above embodiments, the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22 are located on the same side of the substrate 1.

[0029] Specifically, this configuration ensures that both the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22 are located on the same side of the substrate 1, allowing the electronic paper to display in full screen on one side. When both the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22 are located on the same side of the substrate 1, the requirement for the transparency of the substrate 1 can be reduced, making it suitable for electronic paper made of substrates 1 of different materials.

[0030] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 3 The electronic paper may further include: a first conductive layer M0 disposed on one side of the substrate 1; a driving circuit layer 7 disposed on the side of the first conductive layer M0 away from the substrate 1; a first trace 31 and a second trace 32 located on the first conductive layer M0; a first driving module 21 and a second driving module 22 located on the driving circuit layer 7; the first trace 31 is connected to the first driving module 21 through a via (not shown in the figure), and the second trace 32 is connected to the second driving module 22 through a via.

[0031] Specifically, since the first driving module 21 and the first trace 31 are located on different layers, the first driving module 21 is connected to the first trace 31 through a via, so that the first driving module 21 located in the edge region 20 and the driving circuit layer 7 is electrically connected to the first trace 31 located in the first conductive layer M0 and the central region 10, thereby providing a larger wiring space for the first trace 31 connected to the first driving module 21.

[0032] The second driving module 22 is connected to the second trace 32 via a via, enabling electrical connection between the second driving module 22 located in the central region 10 and the driving circuit layer 7, and the second trace 32 located in the first conductive layer M0 and the edge region 20. This provides a larger wiring space for the second trace 32 connected to the second driving module 22. This configuration further improves the screen-to-body ratio of the electronic paper and further reduces the bezel of the electronic paper.

[0033] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 3 The orthographic projection of the first trace 31 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the second driving module 22 on the substrate 1 overlap at least partially; the orthographic projection of the second trace 32 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the first driving module 21 on the substrate 1 overlap at least partially.

[0034] Specifically, this arrangement allows the first trace 31 and the second driving module 22 to at least partially overlap in the thickness direction of the electronic paper, saving the area occupied by the first trace 31 on the electronic paper's edge. Similarly, this arrangement allows the second trace 32 and the first driving module 21 to at least partially overlap in the thickness direction of the electronic paper, saving the area occupied by the second trace 32 on the electronic paper's edge.

[0035] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 3 The diaphragm 4 is located on the side of the driving circuit layer 7 away from the substrate 1; the diaphragm 4 is connected to the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22, and the diaphragm 4 is used to display according to the driving signals output by the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22.

[0036] Specifically, this arrangement also allows the first trace 31 and the second trace 32 to be placed on the side of the driving circuit layer 7 close to the substrate 1, so that the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22 are located on the same layer, which facilitates electrical connection between the first driving module 21 and the second driving module 22 through the same diaphragm 4, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0037] Optional, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic shielding structure and an electrostatic ring for electronic paper provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, further combining... Figures 4 to 6 The electronic paper also includes an electrostatic ring 9, which is disposed on the side of the diaphragm 4 away from the substrate 1; and an electrostatic shielding structure 8, which is connected between the driving module 2 and the signal trace 3. The electrostatic shielding structure 8 is connected to the electrostatic ring 9 and is used to conduct when the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 is greater than a preset accumulated electrostatic charge, so as to guide the electrostatic charge to the electrostatic ring 9.

[0038] Specifically, the electrostatic ring 9 comprises a closed ring structure made of conductive metal material. The thickness of the electrostatic ring 9 is ≥30nm, and the width of the electrostatic ring 9 is ≥0.3mm, which makes the electrostatic ring 9 highly conductive. When the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 is greater than or equal to 30V and less than or equal to 50KV, that is, the preset accumulated electrostatic charge range is 30V~50KV, the electrostatic shielding structure 8 is turned on, and the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 is conducted to the electrostatic ring 9 through the turned-on electrostatic shielding structure 8.

[0039] By setting an electrostatic shielding structure 8 between the drive module 2 and the signal trace 3, when the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 exceeds a preset accumulated electrostatic charge, the electrostatic shielding structure 8 is activated to guide the large accumulated electrostatic charge to the electrostatic ring 9, where it is released. This design effectively improves the anti-static damage capability of the electronic paper and extends its lifespan.

[0040] Preferably, the electrostatic shielding structure 8 is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the signal trace 3. This configuration ensures that each signal trace 3 is equipped with an electrostatic shielding structure 8, further improving the electronic paper's resistance to electrostatic damage and extending its lifespan.

[0041] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 6 The electrostatic shielding structure 8 includes at least two electrostatic components connected in parallel; each electrostatic component includes at least two electrostatic units connected in series. Preferably, the electrostatic shielding structure 8 includes: a first electrostatic component 81 and a second electrostatic component 82; the first electrostatic component 81 includes a first electrostatic unit T1 and a third electrostatic unit T3, and the second electrostatic component 82 includes a second electrostatic unit T2 and a fourth electrostatic unit T4.

[0042] The first end of the first electrostatic unit T1 and the first end of the second electrostatic unit T2 are connected to the signal line 3; the second end of the first electrostatic unit T1 is connected to the first end of the third electrostatic unit T3, and the second end of the third electrostatic unit T3 is connected to the electrostatic ring 9; the second end of the second electrostatic unit T2 is connected to the first end of the fourth electrostatic unit T4, and the second end of the fourth electrostatic unit T4 is connected to the electrostatic ring 9.

[0043] Specifically, this configuration ensures that the first electrostatic unit T1 and the third electrostatic unit T3 form a path for electrostatic charge. Only when both the first electrostatic unit T1 and the third electrostatic unit T3 are broken down and conducting will the electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 be guided to the electrostatic ring 9, thus preventing the electrostatic shielding structure 8 from being misactivated during normal operation of the electronic paper.

[0044] The second electrostatic unit T2 and the fourth electrostatic unit T4 form another electrostatic charge path. This path is connected in parallel with the path formed by the first electrostatic unit T1 and the three electrostatic units, which can better distribute the electrostatic charge and further improve the antistatic capability of the electronic paper.

[0045] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 6 The electrostatic unit may include a thin-film transistor structure. The first electrostatic unit T1 includes a thin-film transistor structure; the second electrostatic unit T2 includes a thin-film transistor structure; the third electrostatic unit T3 includes a thin-film transistor structure; and the fourth electrostatic unit T4 includes a thin-film transistor structure.

[0046] Specifically, this configuration ensures that the electrostatic shielding structure 8 is not conductive when the electronic paper is operating normally. When the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace 3 exceeds a preset accumulated electrostatic charge amount, the electrostatic shielding structure 8 becomes conductive, guiding the electrostatic charge to the electrostatic ring 9 through the conductive first electrostatic unit T1, second electrostatic unit T2, third electrostatic unit T3, and fourth electrostatic unit T4. This prevents the electrostatic charge from breaking down the signal trace 3 and further improves the lifespan of the electronic paper.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 200 provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes the electronic paper 100 proposed in any of the above embodiments, and has the beneficial effects of the electronic paper 100 proposed in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0048] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic paper, characterized in that, include: A substrate, the substrate including a central region and an edge region at least partially surrounding the central region; A driving module and at least one signal trace are disposed on at least one side of the substrate, wherein the gate of the driving module is connected to the signal trace; A diaphragm, the diaphragm including at least one display element, the diaphragm being disposed on the side of the driving module away from the substrate; At least a portion of the drive module is located in the central region, and the signal traces connected to the drive module located in the central region are located in the edge region; At least a portion of the drive module is located in the edge region, and the signal traces connected to the drive module located in the edge region are located in the central region.

2. The electronic paper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive module includes a first drive module located in the edge region and a second drive module located in the central region; The signal trace includes a first trace located in the central region and a second trace located in the edge region; The first drive module is connected to the first trace, and the second drive module is connected to the second trace; The first driving module and the first trace are located on the same side of the substrate; The second drive module and the second trace are located on the same side of the substrate.

3. The electronic paper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first driving module and the second driving module are located on the same side of the substrate.

4. The electronic paper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electronic paper also includes: A first conductive layer disposed on one side of the substrate; A driving circuit layer disposed on the side of the first conductive layer away from the substrate; The first trace and the second trace are located in the first conductive layer, and the first driving module and the second driving module are located in the driving circuit layer; The first trace is connected to the first drive module through a via, and the second trace is connected to the second drive module through a via.

5. The electronic paper according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the first trace on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the second driving module on the substrate at least partially overlap; The orthographic projection of the second trace on the substrate at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first driving module on the substrate.

6. The electronic paper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The diaphragm is located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate; The diaphragm is connected to the first driving module and the second driving module, and the diaphragm is used to display according to the driving signals output by the first driving module and the second driving module.

7. The electronic paper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic paper also includes: An electrostatic ring is disposed on the side of the diaphragm away from the substrate; An electrostatic shielding structure is provided, which is connected between the driving module and the signal trace. The electrostatic shielding structure is connected to the electrostatic ring. The electrostatic shielding structure is used to conduct when the accumulated electrostatic charge on the signal trace is greater than a preset accumulated electrostatic charge, so as to guide the electrostatic charge to the electrostatic ring.

8. The electronic paper according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrostatic shielding structure is configured to correspond one-to-one with the signal traces.

9. The electronic paper according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrostatic shielding structure includes at least two electrostatic components connected in parallel. The electrostatic component includes at least two electrostatic units connected in series.

10. The electronic paper according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrostatic shielding structure includes a first electrostatic component and a second electrostatic component; the first electrostatic component includes a first electrostatic unit and a third electrostatic unit, and the second electrostatic component includes a second electrostatic unit and a fourth electrostatic unit. The first end of the first electrostatic unit and the first end of the second electrostatic unit are connected to the signal trace; the second end of the first electrostatic unit is connected to the first end of the third electrostatic unit, and the second end of the third electrostatic unit is connected to the electrostatic ring; the second end of the second electrostatic unit is connected to the first end of the fourth electrostatic unit, and the second end of the fourth electrostatic unit is connected to the electrostatic ring.

11. The electronic paper according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrostatic unit includes a thin-film transistor structure.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the electronic paper as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images