Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely and an electrochromic device between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device is formed by curing a pre-solution. The pre-solution comprises, in terms of mass parts, 8-20 parts of a polymer, 29-44 parts of a cross-linking agent, 29-44 parts of a solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of an initiator and 4-22 parts of a lithium salt and deionized water. In the process of forming the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device by using the pre-solution, the pre-solution is cured and formed after printing. In the printing process, a barrier wall does not need to be arranged to block adjacent two electrochromic devices, so that the manufacturing process of the pixelated arrangement electrochromic device is greatly simplified, and the manufacturing cost and difficulty of the display device are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display device and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism is the phenomenon of stable and reversible color changes in electrochromic materials under the influence of an applied electric field. Electrochromic display devices made using electrochromic materials have advantages such as no blind angle, wide operating temperature range, low driving voltage, and rich colors, and have broad application prospects in fields such as transparent displays, paperless displays, product labels, and flexible displays.

[0003] Electrochromic display devices typically include multiple pixelated electrochromic devices. Currently, when manufacturing electrochromic display devices, it is necessary to set up a barrier to form a space for each electrochromic device, in order to prevent electrolyte flow from damaging the structure of the electrochromic device and to prevent electrolyte leakage from adjacent electrochromic devices from causing color crosstalk during coloring.

[0004] As the resolution of electrochromic display devices increases, the cost of the barrier wall also increases, and the process and material selection for manufacturing the barrier wall become more complex, increasing the difficulty of production. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a display device, comprising:

[0006] First substrate;

[0007] The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate;

[0008] Multiple electrochromic devices are located between the first substrate and the second substrate; each electrochromic device is a pixel.

[0009] Electrochromic devices include:

[0010] The first electrode is located on the side of the first substrate facing the second substrate;

[0011] The second electrode is located on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate;

[0012] An electrochromic layer is located on the side of the first electrode opposite to the first substrate;

[0013] An ion storage layer is located on the side of the second electrode opposite to the second substrate;

[0014] The electrolyte layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer;

[0015] The electrolyte layer is formed by curing a pre-solution; by mass, the pre-solution includes: 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water.

[0016] In the process of forming the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device using a pre-solution, the pre-solution is cured after printing. During the printing process, there is no need to set up a barrier to block two adjacent electrochromic devices, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of pixelated electrochromic devices and reduces the manufacturing cost and difficulty of display devices.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the crosslinking agent is polyethylene glycol diacrylate or methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solvents are propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mass ratio of lithium salt to water in the combination of lithium salt and deionized water is 4.8:1; the lithium salt is lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the transparency of the electrolyte layer decreases as the lithium salt content in the pretreatment solution increases.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of electrochromic devices are arranged in an array between a first substrate and a second substrate; a gap is formed between two adjacent electrochromic devices.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the display device further includes a support portion located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the support portion is disposed in the peripheral edge region of the first substrate and the second substrate, forming an accommodating space with the first substrate and the second substrate; the height of the support portion is the same as the height of the electrochromic device, and the electrochromic device is located within the accommodating space. The support portion is used to support the first substrate and the second substrate and protect the electrochromic device.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a display device, comprising:

[0025] Prepare a pretreatment solution; by mass, the pretreatment solution comprises: 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water;

[0026] At least one first electrode is formed on the first substrate; each first electrode is discrete from the other.

[0027] An electrochromic layer is formed on the side of the first electrode opposite to the first substrate;

[0028] At least one second electrode is formed on the second substrate, and each second electrode is discrete from the other.

[0029] An ion storage layer is formed on the side of the second electrode opposite to the second substrate;

[0030] The pretreatment solution is printed on the side of the electrochromic layer away from the first electrode or on the side of the ion storage layer away from the second electrode.

[0031] The pre-solvent after printing is pretreated to partially solidify it.

[0032] The first substrate and the second substrate are attached together so that the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer are bonded together through a pre-solution.

[0033] The pre-solution is completely solidified to form an electrolyte layer.

[0034] Using the manufacturing method of the display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the electrolyte layer is solidified after printing with a pre-solution. During the printing process, there is no need to set up a barrier to block two adjacent electrochromic devices, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of pixelated electrochromic devices and reduces the manufacturing cost and difficulty of the display device.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, before attaching the first substrate and the second substrate together, the method further includes:

[0036] A support portion is formed at the periphery of either the first substrate or the second substrate; the support portion forms an accommodating space with the first substrate or the second substrate, and the first electrode or the second electrode is located within the accommodating space. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is one of the cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of the display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is one of the top view structural schematic diagrams of the display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a second top view schematic diagram of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is one of the flowcharts for a method of manufacturing a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of the display device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 One of the electrode top views provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a second top view of the electrode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figure 12 This is the fourth schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 13 This is the fifth schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 14 This is the sixth schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Figure 15 This is the second flowchart of a display device manufacturing method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 16 This is the seventh schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Wherein, 1-first substrate, 2-second substrate, 3-electrochromic device, 31-first electrode, 32-electrochromic layer, 33-electrolyte layer, 34-ion storage layer, 35-second electrode, B-barrier, G-gap, 4-support, and L-prepared solution. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Terms describing position and direction in the present invention are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The accompanying drawings of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual proportions.

[0056] Electrochromism is the phenomenon of stable and reversible color changes in electrochromic materials under the influence of an applied electric field. Electrochromic display devices made using electrochromic materials have advantages such as no blind angle, wide operating temperature range, low driving voltage, and rich colors, and have broad application prospects in fields such as transparent displays, paperless displays, product labels, and flexible displays.

[0057] In a first aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided that utilizes electrochromic phenomena to display images.

[0058] Figure 1 This is one of the cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of the display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the display device includes: a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, and a plurality of electrochromic devices 3.

[0060] The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are disposed opposite to each other, serving to support and protect the electrochromic device 3. The shape and size of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are adapted to the overall shape and size of the electrochromic display device. Typically, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are rectangular or square, but when applied to irregularly shaped display devices, they can also be circular or other shapes.

[0061] In some embodiments, the display device employs a single-sided light-emitting display method, and either the first substrate 1 or the second substrate 2 can be located on the light-emitting side of the display device. The substrate located on the light-emitting side can be made of a transparent material such as glass or transparent resin with high light transmittance, while the substrate located on the other side can be made of an opaque material such as metal or non-transparent resin.

[0062] In some embodiments, the display device adopts a dual-sided light-emitting display method. For example, when applied to a transparent display, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are located on two opposite light-emitting sides. Both the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 can be made of transparent materials such as glass or transparent resin with high light transmittance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the display device can be applied to the field of flexible displays, and the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 can also be made of flexible materials.

[0064] In some embodiments, both the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may have circuit layers. The two ends of the electrochromic device 3 are electrically connected to the circuits on the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, respectively. The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 can independently apply driving signals to the electrochromic device 3. In specific implementations, either the first substrate 1 or the second substrate 2 may be a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate. The TFT substrate has multiple thin film transistor structures, and each TFT structure is correspondingly connected to one electrochromic device 3. By driving each TFT to turn on / off, the corresponding electrochromic device 3 is turned on or off from the circuit, thereby applying or removing an electric field to the electrochromic device.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, the display device includes a plurality of pixelated electrochromic devices. The electrochromic devices utilize the phenomenon that electrochromic materials undergo stable and reversible color changes under the action of an external electric field, and can produce color changes of different gray levels under the drive of a driving signal.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrochromic device 3 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. Multiple electrochromic devices 3 are independent of each other, with each electrochromic device 3 serving as a pixel. During image display, each electrochromic device 3 can independently display different grayscale colors under the drive of a driving signal, thereby achieving image display.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the electrochromic device 3 includes: a first electrode 31, an electrochromic layer 32, an electrolyte layer 33, an ion storage layer 34, and a second electrode 35.

[0068] The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 are disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first electrode 31 is located on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the second substrate 2, and the second electrode 35 is located on the side of the second substrate 2 facing the first substrate 1. In specific implementation, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 can be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 can be made of indium tin oxide (ITO). In specific fabrication, an indium tin oxide thin film can be deposited on the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 by sputtering deposition or other methods, and then the patterns of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 can be formed by etching or other methods.

[0069] The electrochromic layer 32 is located on the side of the first electrode 31 facing away from the first substrate 1. The electrochromic layer 32 is patterned by depositing an electrochromic material onto the first electrode 31. When a forward voltage is applied to the electrochromic device, charges (ions or electrons) enter the electrochromic layer 32, causing it to change color. When a reverse voltage is applied to the electrochromic device, charges (ions or electrons) are extracted from the electrochromic layer 32, restoring the device to its original state. The material of the electrochromic layer 32 can be inorganic electrochromic materials such as WO3, MoO3, Nb2O5, TiO2, NiO, and IrO. x Materials such as Co2O3, Rh2O3, and MnO2 can be used; alternatively, organic electrochromic materials such as polythiophene and its derivatives, tetrathiofulvalene, violetin, metal phthalocyanine compounds, and cyanine compounds can be selected. In specific implementations, the electrochromic layer 32 can be an inorganic solid electrochromic material with a fast response speed.

[0070] An ion storage layer 34 is located on the side of the second electrode 35 facing away from the second substrate 2. The ion storage layer 34 stores ions and balances the charge. When the electrochromic layer 32 is colored by applying an appropriate positive voltage, the ion storage layer 34 transfers some or all of the ions that can color the electrochromic layer 32 into the electrochromic layer 32, changing the electrochromic layer 32 to a colored state. The ion storage layer 34 can be made of a material with electrochromic activity; for example, the ion storage layer 34 can change between transparent and colored states by gaining / losing ions. For instance, a suitable material for the ion storage layer 34 can be selected based on the material of the electrochromic layer 32. When the ion storage layer 34 stores a large number of ions that can color the electrochromic layer 32, the ion storage layer 34 should be in a transparent state. When a positive voltage is applied to cause the ion storage layer 34 to lose these ions, the ion storage layer 34 can change to the same colored state as the electrochromic layer 32, thereby improving the coloring efficiency of the electrochromic device.

[0071] The electrolyte layer 33 is located between the electrochromic layer 32 and the ion storage layer 34 and is used to conduct ions. The electrolyte layer 33 can be made of a material that has high conductivity for conducting ions between the electrochromic layer 32 and the ion storage layer 34 and extremely low conductivity for electrons, thereby ensuring that ions can pass through the electrolyte layer 33 quickly while ignoring electron transfer and improving the coloring efficiency of the electrochromic layer 32.

[0072] In the prior art, the electrolyte layer of electrochromic devices is usually made of liquid electrolyte or gel electrolyte with strong fluidity. Therefore, when making pixelated electrochromic devices, it is necessary to set up a barrier to form a housing space for individual electrochromic devices, so as to prevent electrolyte flow from damaging the structure of the electrochromic device and electrolyte leakage from adjacent electrochromic devices from causing color crosstalk during coloring.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the electrolyte layer 33 uses a liquid electrolyte or a gel electrolyte, during the fabrication of the electrochromic device, a barrier B needs to be set between two adjacent electrochromic devices 3 first, and then liquid electrolyte or gel electrolyte is filled into the accommodating space formed by the barrier B and the electrochromic layer 32 or the accommodating space formed by the barrier B and the ion storage layer 34 to form the electrolyte layer 43.

[0075] As users demand higher resolutions from display devices and pixel density increases, the number and density of barrier walls required to fabricate pixelated electrochromic devices using liquid or gel electrolytes also increase. This leads to higher barrier wall costs and more complex fabrication processes and material selection, further complicating the manufacturing process.

[0076] In view of this, the display device provided by the present invention uses a novel electrolyte material, and the electrolyte layer 33 can be fabricated by printing. The electrolyte material provided by the embodiments of the present invention has weak flow properties during printing, to ensure that the electrolyte material can be smoothly printed and demolded, and at the same time, it does not flow after demolding, and can maintain its own shape and thickness.

[0077] In this embodiment of the invention, the electrolyte layer can be formed by curing a pre-prepared pretreatment solution, wherein the pretreatment solution includes: a polymer, a crosslinking agent, a solvent, an initiator, and lithium salt and deionized water. In actual implementation, such as... Figure 1As shown, a first electrode 31 and an electrochromic layer 32 can be sequentially fabricated on the surface of the first substrate 1, and a second electrode 35 and an ion storage layer 34 can be sequentially fabricated on the surface of the second substrate 2. Then, a pretreatment solution is printed onto the side of the electrochromic layer 32 opposite to the first electrode 31, or onto the side of the ion storage layer 34 opposite to the second electrode 35, using a printing method. Since the pretreatment solution has very weak flow properties, no barrier is needed during the printing process. After printing, the pretreatment solution undergoes a pretreatment to partially solidify it and enhance its mechanical strength. At this point, the pretreatment solution still maintains a certain degree of flexibility and viscosity. Then, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are bonded together, allowing the electrochromic layer 32 and the ion storage layer 34 to adhere through the pretreatment solution. Finally, the pretreatment solution is completely cured to form an electrolyte layer.

[0078] In the process of forming the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device using the pre-solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the pre-solution is solidified after printing. During the printing process, there is no need to set up a barrier to block two adjacent electrochromic devices, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of pixelated electrochromic devices and reduces the manufacturing cost and difficulty of the display device.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the polymer serves as the matrix material for the curing of the pre-solution. It can undergo a cross-linking polymerization reaction with a cross-linking agent under the action of an initiator, thereby achieving curing. The polymer can be selected from polymerizable monomers, linear or branched oligomers, and mixtures thereof. Under the action of the cross-linking agent and the initiator, the polymerizable monomers polymerize to form linear or branched oligomers. The cross-linking agent forms bridging bonds between the molecular chains of the linear or branched oligomers, generating an insoluble substance with a network structure, thereby causing the pre-solution to cure and enhancing the strength and other properties of the electrolyte layer.

[0080] The proportion of polymer affects the flow properties of the pretreatment solution. If there is too much polymer in the pretreatment solution, the viscosity increases, air bubbles increase, and proper demolding during printing becomes impossible. If there is too little polymer in the pretreatment solution, the flowability increases, but the pretreatment solution cannot set after printing, causing electrolyte leakage. In practice, the pretreatment solution comprises 8 to 20 parts by weight of polymer. The polymer can be polymerizable monomers such as thermoplastic polyurethane, linear or branched oligomers, or mixtures thereof; no specific limitations are imposed.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the crosslinking agent is used to form bridging bonds between the molecular chains of linear or branched oligomers, thereby generating an insoluble substance with a network structure, which causes the pretreatment solution to solidify. Specifically, the crosslinking agent can be polyethylene glycol diacrylate or methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate.

[0082] In this embodiment of the invention, the solvent is used to dissolve other components in the pre-solution, ensuring that all components are fully dissolved and mixed uniformly. Specifically, the solvent can be an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate or dimethyl carbonate, and is not limited thereto.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the pretreatment solution comprises 29-44 parts by weight of crosslinking agent and 29-44 parts by weight of solvent. With a fixed polymer content, the ratio of crosslinking agent to solvent in the pretreatment solution affects the flow properties and cured strength of the pretreatment solution. If the solvent content in the pretreatment solution is too high, the pretreatment solution has strong flow properties and a softer cured state; if the crosslinking agent content in the pretreatment solution is too high, the cured state is too hard, resulting in a brittle electrolyte layer. In practice, a 1:1 mass ratio of crosslinking agent to solvent can be used to ensure the flow properties and curing performance of the pretreatment solution; this is not limited to this specific ratio.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, lithium salt is used to provide anions and cations that facilitate conductivity. Because the polymer undergoes a cross-linking polymerization reaction during the curing process of the pre-solution, the polymer molecular chains reduce the transfer efficiency of conductive ions in the electrolyte layer, resulting in poor electrochemical performance of the electrolyte layer. In this embodiment, a trace amount of deionized water is added to the pre-solution to reduce the internal resistance of the electrolyte layer and improve its electrochemical performance. The amount of deionized water should not be too large to avoid water electrolysis. Specifically, the pre-solution comprises 4 to 22 parts by mass of lithium salt and deionized water. In some embodiments, to obtain superior electrochemical performance and avoid excessive water content leading to hydrogen evolution through water electrolysis, the mass ratio of lithium salt to deionized water in the electrolyte layer formed after the pre-solution curing can be controlled at 4.8:1, but this is not limited here.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, the lithium salt content in the pretreatment solution affects the transparency of the electrolyte layer formed after the pretreatment solution solidifies. The higher the lithium salt content in the pretreatment solution, the lower the transparency of the electrolyte layer formed after solidification, and the whiter the electrolyte layer appears. Specifically, the transparency of the electrolyte layer can be reduced by increasing the lithium salt content in the pretreatment solution.

[0086] In some embodiments, the display device provided by the present invention is a transparent display device. In existing transparent display devices, the background light and the light emitted from the electrochromic layer blend during image display, severely affecting the display effect. In the embodiments of the present invention, the transparency of the electrolyte layer can be reduced directly by increasing the lithium salt content. The white electrolyte layer can block some of the background light, thereby improving the contrast of the display device and optimizing the display effect. Specifically, the lithium salt content in the pre-prepared solution can be adjusted according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, an initiator is used to initiate a crosslinking polymerization reaction between the polymer and the crosslinking agent in the pretreatment solution, resulting in curing. Depending on the conditions for initiating the crosslinking polymerization reaction in the pretreatment solution, the initiator can be a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator. Specifically, the pretreatment solution includes 0.145–0.22 parts of initiator, wherein the mass of the initiator is approximately 0.5% of the crosslinking agent.

[0088] In this embodiment of the invention, the pretreatment solution comprises, by weight, 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water. The electrolyte layer is fabricated using the pretreatment solution provided in this invention via printing. During the printing process, the pretreatment solution demolds normally, and after printing, it maintains stable shape and thickness for a considerable period, thus eliminating the need for baffles to prevent flow. The electrolyte layer formed after curing the pretreatment solution exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, ensuring that the electrochromic device can switch between colored and transparent states in a short time. Furthermore, the cured electrolyte layer possesses high thermal stability; the electrolyte matrix does not volatilize or decompose under the high temperatures generated by the electrochromic device's luminescence, ensuring the safety and stability of the electrochromic display device.

[0089] In a pretreatment solution system with selectable components, 4–22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water are sufficient to ensure good electrochemical performance of the electrolyte layer formed after curing. When the content of lithium salt and deionized water is less than 4 parts, the content of polymer and crosslinking agent is relatively high, resulting in excessive viscosity of the pretreatment solution, poor printability, and poor electrochemical performance of the electrolyte layer. This leads to prolonged color-changing time for electrochromic devices and incomplete color change. When the content of lithium salt and deionized water is greater than 22 parts, the content of polymer and crosslinking agent is relatively low, increasing the fluidity of the pretreatment solution. This results in the inability to set the shape after printing, a softer electrolyte layer after curing, and a risk of electrolyte leakage.

[0090] Furthermore, when the content of lithium salt and deionized water in the pre-solution is close to 4 parts, the electrolyte layer formed after the pre-solution solidifies is transparent. Further reducing the content of lithium salt and deionized water makes it difficult to significantly improve the transparency of the electrolyte layer. When applied to display scenarios such as smart car windows and smart doors and windows, the display device is required to have high transmittance. In this case, the electrochromic display device can meet the transmittance requirements. When the content of lithium salt and deionized water is close to 22 parts, the electrolyte layer formed after the pre-solution solidifies is a white electrolyte layer with very low transparency. Further increasing the content of lithium salt and deionized water makes it difficult to further reduce the transparency of the electrolyte layer. When applied to transparent displays, it can block the ambient light behind the electroluminescent layer, significantly improving the contrast of the display device.

[0091] Figure 3 This is one of the top view structural schematic diagrams of the display device provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple electrochromic devices 3 are arranged in an array between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. In specific implementations, since the electrochromic layer 33 is formed by printing and curing a pre-solution solution in this embodiment, and the pre-solution solution has low fluidity, it can maintain its shape and thickness after printing. Therefore, during the printing of the pre-solution solution, it is not necessary to set up a barrier to separate adjacent electrochromic devices 3. In actual implementation, it is only necessary to set a predetermined distance between adjacent electrochromic devices to avoid printing misalignment and other problems caused by manufacturing precision issues during the printing and fabrication of the various film layers of the electrochromic devices. A gap G is formed between adjacent electrochromic devices 3 due to the predetermined distance. The width of the gap G can be adjusted according to the process precision during the fabrication of the electrochromic devices and the resolution requirements of the display device, and is not limited here.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first substrate and the second substrate are supported by the film layer of the electrochromic device. If the display device is dropped or collided during use, the film layer structure of the electrochromic device may be damaged.

[0094] Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display device provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a second top view of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In view of this, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the display device also includes a support 4.

[0096] The support portion 4 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and is used to support the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. The height of the support portion 4 is the same as the height of the electrochromic device 3, and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the support portion 4, such as strength and hardness, are higher than those of the electrochromic device 3.

[0097] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the support portion 4 is disposed around the periphery of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, forming an accommodating space with the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, within which the electrochromic device is located. The support portion 4 can reduce the force exerted by the substrate on the electrochromic device 3, ensuring the structural stability of the electrochromic device 3 after long-term use. Simultaneously, in the event of drops or collisions, the support portion 4 can protect the electrochromic device 3 inside the display device. In specific implementations, the support portion 4 can be made of resin material or metal material with bonding properties at both ends, etc., and is not limited here.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the support part 4 is located around the periphery of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and the support parts around the periphery of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are connected to each other to form a whole. In specific implementation, the support part 4 is tightly attached to the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 at both ends of the support part 4 by sealant. The accommodating space formed by the support part 4 and the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 can maintain a vacuum environment or an inert gas environment, thereby avoiding the electrochromic device from being corroded by the water and oxygen environment and extending its service life.

[0099] In some embodiments, the support portion may also include multiple independent support structures, as long as they can provide support and protection, and no limitation is made here.

[0100] In this embodiment of the invention, the number of electrochromic devices between the first substrate and the second substrate can also be one. In this case, the electrochromic device can be used in scenarios such as transparent dimming glass.

[0101] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device is provided.

[0102] Figure 6 This is one of the flowcharts for a method of manufacturing a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the manufacturing method of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps in its specific manufacturing process:

[0104] S100: Prepare the pretreatment solution;

[0105] S200: At least one first electrode is formed on the first substrate;

[0106] S300: An electrochromic layer is formed on the side of the first electrode away from the first substrate;

[0107] S400: At least one second electrode is formed on the second substrate;

[0108] S500: An ion storage layer is formed on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate;

[0109] S600: Print the pretreatment solution on the side of the electrochromic layer away from the first electrode or on the side of the ion storage layer away from the second electrode.

[0110] S700: Pre-treat the pre-solution after printing to partially solidify the pre-solution;

[0111] S800: The first substrate and the second substrate are attached together so that the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer are bonded together through a pre-solution;

[0112] S900: Completely solidifies the pre-solidified solution to form an electrolyte layer.

[0113] In practice, a pretreatment solution is first prepared, which includes: 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-4 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water. The preparation of the pretreatment solution is explained below.

[0114] Example 1:

[0115] Preparation of pretreatment solution: By weight, select 9 parts of thermoplastic polyester, 43.5 parts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 43.5 parts of propylene carbonate, 0.2175 parts of photoinitiator, 4 parts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, and deionized water, mix them in a container, seal it, and stir until completely dissolved and evenly mixed.

[0116] Example 2:

[0117] Preparation of pretreatment solution: By weight, select 13 parts of thermoplastic polyester, 32.5 parts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 32.5 parts of propylene carbonate, 0.1625 parts of photoinitiator, 22 parts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, and deionized water, mix them in a container, seal it, and stir until completely dissolved and evenly mixed.

[0118] Example 3:

[0119] Preparation of pretreatment solution: By weight, select 20 parts of thermoplastic polyester, 37.5 parts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 37.5 parts of propylene carbonate, 0.1875 parts of photoinitiator, 5 parts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, and deionized water, mix them in a container, seal it, and stir until completely dissolved and evenly mixed.

[0120] Example 4:

[0121] Preparation of pretreatment solution: By weight, select 9 parts of thermoplastic polyester, 38.5 parts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 38.5 parts of propylene carbonate, 0.1925 parts of photoinitiator, 13 parts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, and deionized water, mix them in a container, seal it, and stir until completely dissolved and evenly mixed.

[0122] Example 5:

[0123] Preparation of pretreatment solution: By weight, select 20 parts of thermoplastic polyester, 30 parts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 30 parts of propylene carbonate, 0.15 parts of photoinitiator, 20 parts of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, and deionized water, mix them in a container, seal it, and stir until completely dissolved and evenly mixed.

[0124] Figure 7 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] After preparing the first pretreatment solution, as follows Figure 7 As shown, multiple discrete first electrodes 31 are formed on the first substrate 1 by means of vacuum coating, sputtering deposition, printing, spraying, etching and other methods.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown, multiple discrete second electrodes 35 are formed on the second substrate 2 by means of vacuum coating, sputtering deposition, printing, spraying, etching and other methods.

[0127] Figure 9 One of the electrode top views provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a second top view of the electrode provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown (where Figure 9 (a) is a top view of the electrodes of the first substrate 1. Figure 9(b) is a top view of the electrodes on the second substrate 2. The first electrodes 31 are arranged in an array on the first substrate 1, and the second electrodes 35 are arranged in an array on the second substrate 2, wherein the positions of the second electrodes 35 and the first electrodes 31 correspond to each other, with one second electrode 35 corresponding to one first electrode 31. By applying voltage to the corresponding first and second electrodes to generate an electric field, each electrochromic device can be independently controlled to perform different grayscale transitions.

[0129] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first electrode 31 extends along the first direction x on the first substrate 1 and is arranged along the second direction y to form multiple discrete strip electrodes; the second electrode 35 extends along the second direction y on the second substrate 2 and is arranged along the first direction x to form multiple discrete strip electrodes, such that the position where the orthographic projections of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 on any substrate intersect coincides with the orthographic projection position of the electrochromic device 3 on that substrate. By scanning line by line, a voltage is applied to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35, generating an electric field at the location of the target electrochromic device 3, thereby controlling the conversion of each electrochromic device 3 to different gray levels. Using the strip electrode scanning method simplifies the electrode manufacturing process, and the same strip electrode shares a single signal line, reducing the number of signal lines.

[0130] In some embodiments, the number of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 35 may both be one, including only one electrochromic device, which is not limited here.

[0131] Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 This is the fourth schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0132] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, an electrochromic layer 32 is formed on the side of the first electrode 31 away from the first substrate 1 by means of vacuum coating, sputtering deposition, printing, spraying, etching, etc.

[0133] like Figure 12 As shown, an ion storage layer 34 is formed on the side of the second electrode 35 away from the second substrate 2 by means of vacuum coating, sputtering deposition, printing, spraying, etching, etc.

[0134] Figure 13 Fifth schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of the display device provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Furthermore, such as Figure 13 As shown, a pre-prepared solution L is printed on the side of the electrochromic layer 32 opposite to the first electrode 31 using inkjet printing or other methods. Figure 13(a)) or the pre-prepared pre-solution L is printed on the side of the ion storage layer 34 opposite to the second electrode 35 by inkjet printing or other means. Figure 13 (b)).

[0136] After the pretreatment solution is printed, depending on the type of initiator, a cross-linking polymerization reaction is initiated in the pretreatment solution under a nitrogen atmosphere by heating or ultraviolet light irradiation for pretreatment. During the pretreatment process, the time of the cross-linking polymerization reaction of the pretreatment solution is controlled to induce partial solidification of the pretreatment solution, thereby improving its strength and preventing excessive deformation of the pretreatment solution under stress during the bonding of the first and second substrates. At the same time, the pretreatment solution maintains a certain degree of flexibility and viscosity.

[0137] Figure 14 This is the sixth schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0138] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, after pretreatment of the pretreatment solution L, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are attached together so that the electrochromic layer 32 and the ion storage layer 34 are bonded together through the pretreatment solution L.

[0139] After bonding, the pre-solvent is subjected to multiple curing processes under a nitrogen atmosphere by heating or ultraviolet light irradiation to induce cross-linking polymerization until the pre-solvent is completely cured and forms a solidified product. Figure 1 Electrolyte layer 33 is shown.

[0140] Using the manufacturing method of the display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the electrolyte layer is solidified after printing with a pre-solution. During the printing process, there is no need to set up a barrier to block two adjacent electrochromic devices, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of pixelated electrochromic devices and reduces the manufacturing cost and difficulty of the display device.

[0141] The printing performance of the pre-solvents used in Examples 1-5 and the electrochemical performance of the electrolyte layer formed after curing were tested. Both the printing performance of the pre-solvents and the electrochemical performance of the electrolyte layer formed after curing met the requirements. Specifically, the pre-solvent in Example 1 exhibited excellent printing performance, and after curing, a transparent electrolyte layer with excellent electrochemical performance was formed. The pre-solvent in Example 2 also exhibited excellent printing performance, and after curing, a white electrolyte layer with excellent electrochemical performance was formed. The pre-solvent in Example 3 had high viscosity and poor printing performance, but after curing, a transparent electrolyte layer and normal electrochemical performance were formed. The pre-solvent in Example 4 exhibited normal printing performance, and the transparency of the electrolyte layer formed after curing was between that of Examples 1 and 2. The pre-solvent in Example 5 had high viscosity and poor printing performance, but after curing, a white electrolyte layer was formed.

[0142] Figure 15 This is the second flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 15 As shown, before attaching the first substrate and the second substrate together, the process further includes:

[0144] S810: A support portion is formed at the periphery of either the first substrate or the second substrate.

[0145] Figure 16 This is the seventh schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] In specific implementation, such as Figure 16 As shown, after pretreatment of the pretreatment solution, support portions 4 are formed at the periphery of the first substrate 1. Figure 16 (a) or a support portion 4 is formed at the periphery of the second substrate 2. Figure 16 (a) The support portion 4 forms an accommodating space with the first substrate 1 or the second substrate 2, and the first electrode 31 or the second electrode 32 is located within the accommodating space. After the support portion 4 is set, the bonding between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 is further completed.

[0147] In practice, the support can be set up after the pre-solvent is printed and before the pre-solvent is pre-treated, or it can be set up according to the actual situation. There are no restrictions here.

[0148] The manufacturing method of the display device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be referred to in conjunction with the content of the aforementioned display device, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] According to the first inventive concept, the display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of electrochromic devices located between the first substrate and the second substrate; one electrochromic device serving as a pixel; the electrochromic device includes: a first electrode located on the side of the first substrate facing the second substrate; a second electrode located on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate; an electrochromic layer located on the side of the first electrode facing away from the first substrate; an ion storage layer located on the side of the second electrode facing away from the second substrate; and an electrolyte layer located between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer; wherein the electrolyte layer is formed by curing a pretreatment solution; the pretreatment solution, by mass, includes: 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water. In the process of forming the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device using a pre-solution, the pre-solution is cured after printing. During the printing process, there is no need to set up a barrier to block two adjacent electrochromic devices, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of pixelated electrochromic devices and reduces the manufacturing cost and difficulty of display devices.

[0150] According to the second inventive concept, the polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0151] According to the third inventive concept, the crosslinking agent is polyethylene glycol diacrylate or methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate.

[0152] According to the fourth inventive concept, the solvents are propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate.

[0153] According to the fifth inventive concept, the mass ratio of lithium salt to water in the combination of lithium salt and deionized water is 4.8:1; the lithium salt is lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide.

[0154] According to the sixth inventive concept, the transparency of the electrolyte layer decreases as the lithium salt content in the pre-solution increases.

[0155] According to the seventh inventive concept, multiple electrochromic devices are arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; a gap is formed between two adjacent electrochromic devices.

[0156] According to the eighth inventive concept, the display device further includes a support portion located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the support portion is disposed around the periphery of the first substrate and the second substrate, forming an accommodating space with the first substrate and the second substrate; the height of the support portion is the same as the height of the electrochromic device, and the electrochromic device is located within the accommodating space. The support portion is used to support the first substrate and the second substrate and protect the electrochromic device.

[0157] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0158] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a display device, characterized in that, include: Prepare the pretreatment solution; The pretreatment solution comprises, by weight, 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water; At least one first electrode is formed on a first substrate; each first electrode is discrete from the other. An electrochromic layer is formed on the side of the first electrode opposite to the first substrate; At least one second electrode is formed on the second substrate, and each second electrode is discrete from the other. An ion storage layer is formed on the side of the second electrode opposite to the second substrate; The pretreatment solution is printed on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the first electrode or on the side of the ion storage layer opposite to the second electrode. The pre-solution after printing is pretreated to partially solidify the pre-solution; The first substrate and the second substrate are attached together so that the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer are bonded together through the pretreatment solution; The pretreatment solution is completely solidified to form an electrolyte layer.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before attaching the first substrate and the second substrate together, the method further includes: A support portion is formed at the periphery of either the first substrate or the second substrate; the support portion forms an accommodating space with the first substrate or the second substrate, and the first electrode or the second electrode is located within the accommodating space.

3. A display device manufactured using the method described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: First substrate; The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate; Multiple electrochromic devices are located between the first substrate and the second substrate; One of the electrochromic devices is considered as a pixel; The electrochromic device includes: The first electrode is located on the side of the first substrate facing the second substrate; The second electrode is located on the side of the second substrate facing the first substrate; An electrochromic layer is located on the side of the first electrode opposite to the first substrate; An ion storage layer is located on the side of the second electrode opposite to the second substrate; An electrolyte layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer; The electrolyte layer is formed by curing a pretreatment solution; by mass, the pretreatment solution comprises: 8-20 parts of polymer, 29-44 parts of crosslinking agent, 29-44 parts of solvent, 0.145-0.22 parts of initiator, and 4-22 parts of lithium salt and deionized water.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The crosslinking agent is polyethylene glycol diacrylate or methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The solvent is propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The mass ratio of lithium salt to water in the combination of lithium salt and deionized water is 4.8:1; the lithium salt is lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The transparency of the electrolyte layer decreases as the lithium salt content in the pretreatment solution increases.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple electrochromic devices are arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; a gap is formed between two adjacent electrochromic devices.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The support portion is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; The support portion is disposed in the periphery of the first substrate and the second substrate, forming an accommodating space with the first substrate and the second substrate; The height of the support is the same as the height of the electrochromic device, which is located within the accommodating space.

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