A display panel and its driving method, and a display device.

Abstract

This application provides a display panel and its driving method and display device, relating to the field of display technology. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; each sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the electrophoretic solution layer includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles; in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of non-polar solvent, the polar solvent, and the second portion of non-polar solvent being sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate; the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent. This display panel is suitable for the fabrication of bistable electronic paper.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of display technology, the types of display products have gradually increased, and the performance requirements have also gradually improved. Electronic paper is one of the many emerging display products, and it has gained widespread favor in the industry due to its advantages such as eye protection, low power consumption, and flexible applications.

[0003] However, electronic paper display products in related technologies have difficulty achieving bistable performance, making it difficult to further reduce their power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide a display panel and its driving method and display device. The display panel can continuously display the image without disappearing without applying an electric field, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the display panel.

[0005] The embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a display panel, including:

[0007] First substrate and second substrate;

[0008] Multiple sub-pixels are arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0009] The sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the electrophoretic solution layer includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles.

[0010] In the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part of the non-polar solvent, the polar solvent, and the second part of the non-polar solvent are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate; the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent.

[0011] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the display panel includes a first surface treatment layer and a second surface treatment layer, wherein the first surface treatment layer is located between the first substrate and the electrophoretic solution layer, and the second surface treatment layer is located between the second substrate and the electrophoretic solution layer;

[0012] The first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer have the same polarity as the non-polar solvent.

[0013] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, both the first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer are in direct contact with the electrophoretic solution layer.

[0014] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the materials of both the first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer include non-polar materials.

[0015] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic particles comprise an oleophilic material.

[0016] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the content of the nonpolar solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer is greater than the content of the polar solvent.

[0017] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the display state includes a bright state and a dark state;

[0018] In the bright state, the electrophoretic particles are configured to be distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the first portion;

[0019] In the dark state, the electrophoretic particles are configured to be distributed in the nonpolar solvent described in the second part.

[0020] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the bright state includes a first stage and a second stage;

[0021] In the first stage, the electrophoretic solution layer is configured to be in a first electric field, and the electrophoretic particles are configured to migrate to the first portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the first electric field.

[0022] In the second stage, the electrophoretic particles are configured to remain distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the first part.

[0023] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the dark state includes a third stage and a fourth stage;

[0024] In the third stage, the electrophoretic solution layer is configured to be in a second electric field, and the electrophoretic particles are configured to migrate to the second portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the second electric field.

[0025] In the fourth stage, the electrophoretic particles are configured to remain distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the second part; wherein the field strengths of the first electric field and the second electric field are in opposite directions.

[0026] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the sub-pixel further includes a driving circuit, a pixel electrode and a first dielectric layer disposed sequentially on the first substrate;

[0027] The pixel electrode and the driving circuit are electrically connected, the first dielectric layer covers the pixel electrode, and the first surface treatment layer covers the first dielectric layer.

[0028] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the sub-pixel further includes a filter layer, a lens layer, a common electrode, and a second dielectric layer disposed sequentially on the side of the second substrate near the electrophoretic solution layer; the second surface treatment layer is located between the second dielectric layer and the electrophoretic solution layer.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a display device including a display panel as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0030] In at least one display device provided in the embodiments of this application, the display device includes electronic paper.

[0031] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a driving method for a display panel, applied to driving a display panel as described in any one of the first aspects, the method comprising:

[0032] A first electric field is provided, and the electrophoretic particles in the sub-pixel are distributed in the first portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the first electric field, and the sub-pixel displays a bright image;

[0033] When the first electric field is removed, the sub-pixel continues to display a bright image;

[0034] A second electric field is provided, and the electrophoretic particles in the sub-pixel are distributed in the second portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the second electric field, and the sub-pixel displays a black screen; the field strength directions of the first electric field and the second electric field are opposite;

[0035] When the second electric field is removed, the sub-pixel continues to display a black screen.

[0036] Embodiments of this application provide a display panel and its driving method and display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; each sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the electrophoretic solution layer includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles; in a display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the non-polar solvent, the polar solvent, and the second portion of the non-polar solvent are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate; the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent.

[0037] In the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, an electrophoretic solution layer is provided, comprising a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles. In the display state, the non-polar solvent comprises a first part and a second part, which are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate. The electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent. Thus, when the electrophoretic particles move to the first or second part of the non-polar solvent for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles are always dispersed in the non-polar solvent, they can maintain their state after the electric field is removed. This ensures that the display image on the display panel continues to be displayed and does not disappear, achieving bistable display and significantly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0038] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in a related art provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 A brief illustration of the dark-state display principle of display panels in related technologies;

[0042] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the migration direction of electrophoretic particles under the action of a first electric field in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the display principle of the display panel in the bright state provided for embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the migration direction of electrophoretic particles under the action of a second electric field in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the display principle of the display panel in dark mode provided for embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the display principle of a display panel in a dark state in related technologies.

[0047] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the display principle of a display panel in a bright state in related technologies.

[0048] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a display panel provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 10 and Figure 11 These are schematic diagrams of two intermediate structures in the fabrication process of a display panel provided for embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" are used to distinguish the same or similar items with essentially the same function and effect, only for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, and "at least one" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0055] The features such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" used in the embodiments of this application include features in the strict sense of "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical," as well as cases where "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," and "approximately identical" include certain tolerances. Taking into account the measurement and the tolerances associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (e.g., limitations of the measurement system), they represent the acceptable deviation range for a specific value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, "approximately" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within 3% or 5% of said value.

[0056] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open and encompassing, that is, "including, but not limited to".

[0057] The polygons used in this specification are not strictly defined; they can be approximate triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, pentagons, or hexagons, and may have minor deformations due to tolerances.

[0058] The January 15, 2001 issue of *Chemical & Engineering News* reported on research into electronic paper. Paper, which has served humanity for nearly 2000 years as a means of transmitting information, may be replaced by electronic paper at the beginning of this century. This electronic paper technology combines the excellent properties of ordinary paper with computer display capabilities. Physicist Joseph Jacobson and his colleagues at the Electronic Ink Company, founded in 1997, had already mass-produced the first electronic ink display product for retail. These displays are used in stores to notify shoppers of special promotions. The ink developed by Jacobson and his colleagues at MIT's Media Lab is a water-based liquid containing highly concentrated, transparent plastic microcapsules with a diameter of approximately 50–100 μm. Each capsule contains charged particles of white titanium dioxide suspended in, for example, black hydrocarbon oil. This electronic ink display does not require a large number of picture elements (pixels), making the driving circuitry very simple.

[0059] Since the invention of electronic paper technology, its display principle has evolved from the initial white capsule electrophoretic particles to the present day where black and white displays can be achieved using either black and white capsules or solely using black particles. The mechanism of black particle-based displays in these related technologies is as follows:

[0060] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a display panel structure in related technologies is provided, wherein, when no voltage is applied, black particles are suspended in ink (Ink), and the display panel displays neither a black screen nor a white screen. When a voltage is applied to the color filter substrate (including the glass backplane BG and the color filter layer CF) and the array substrate (including the glass backplane BG and the driving circuit Q), a first electric field is generated between the two substrates. The ink (Ink) is placed within this electric field, and the black particles in the ink (Ink) begin to move directionally under the influence of the first electric field, combining... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, black particles migrate to the side of the ink layer (Ink) near the color filter layer (CF) and adhere to the lens layer (including multiple lenses) between the color filter layer (CF) and the ink layer (Ink). When ambient light (such as...) is present... Figure 2 (As indicated by the dashed arrow marked "Light") When light passes through the color filter layer (CF) and illuminates the interface between the ink (Ink) and the lens (Lens), as... Figure 2 or Figure 7 As shown, due to the light absorption effect of black particles, ambient light cannot be reflected to the human eye, thus causing the display panel to display a black image (i.e., a dark state). When voltages in opposite directions are applied to the two substrates, a second electric field is generated that is opposite in direction to the first electric field, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, black particles cannot be arranged in an orderly manner at the interface between the ink and the lens. Instead, they are dispersed in the ink. As a result, ambient light cannot be completely absorbed and is reflected at the interface between the ink and the lens, thus entering the human eye and causing the display panel to display a white image (i.e., a bright state).

[0061] However, electronic paper display products in related technologies have difficulty achieving bistable performance, making it difficult to further reduce their power consumption.

[0062] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a display panel and its driving method and display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, each sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the electrophoretic solution layer includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles; in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part, the first part of non-polar solvent, the polar solvent, and the second part of non-polar solvent are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate; the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent. Thus, when the electrophoretic particles move to the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles are always dispersed in the non-polar solvent, after the electric field is removed, the electrophoretic particles can still maintain their state and will not move out of the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent, so that the display image of the display panel continues to be displayed and will not disappear, realizing bistable display and greatly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0063] The display panel, its driving method, and the display device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described and explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Embodiments of this application provide a display panel, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the display panel includes:

[0065] First substrate 1 and second substrate 11;

[0066] Multiple sub-pixels arranged in an array between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11 Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagrams shown are schematic diagrams of the cross-sectional structure of a single pixel.

[0067] The sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer Ink, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11. The electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the display state, the nonpolar solvent includes a first part and a second part. The first part of nonpolar solvent 15, the polar solvent 17 and the second part of nonpolar solvent 16 are sequentially layered along the direction away from the first substrate 1; the electrophoretic particles 18 are dispersed in the nonpolar solvent.

[0069] The materials of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11 are not limited here.

[0070] In some examples, the materials of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11 may be made of one or more of the following: glass, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, and polyethersulfone. This embodiment includes, but is not limited to, these materials.

[0071] In some examples, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11 may be rigid substrates or flexible substrates;

[0072] When the first substrate 1 is a flexible substrate, it may include a single layer of flexible material; or, the first substrate 1 may include a first flexible material layer, a first inorganic non-metallic material layer, a second flexible material layer, and a second inorganic non-metallic material layer stacked sequentially. The first and second flexible material layers are made of materials such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or surface-treated polymer films. The first and second inorganic non-metallic material layers are made of materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) to improve the water and oxygen resistance of the first substrate 1. These layers are also referred to as barrier layers; this improves the reliability and lifespan of the sound-generating device.

[0073] When the first substrate 1 is a rigid substrate, the first substrate 1 may include a glass substrate.

[0074] The specific material of the second substrate 11 can be referred to the above description of the first substrate 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 11 are bonded together and made of the same material.

[0076] The display color of the aforementioned sub-pixels is not limited here.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, all sub-pixels in the above-described display panel do not display color, i.e., they are displayed in black and white.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include multiple sub-pixels that display different colors. For example, the display panel may simultaneously include three sub-pixels that display red, blue, and green; or, for another example, the display panel may simultaneously include four sub-pixels that display red, blue, green, and white.

[0079] There is no limitation on whether the above display panel includes pixel wall 19.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, a pixel wall 19 is provided between two adjacent sub-pixels. The two adjacent pixel walls 19, the first substrate 1, and the second substrate 11 can form a partially enclosed space, in which the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is disposed.

[0081] The aforementioned pixel wall 19 is used to isolate the electrophoretic solution layer Ink in two adjacent sub-pixels, so as to avoid interference between the electrophoretic solution layer Ink in two adjacent sub-pixels.

[0082] The specific material of the pixel wall 19 is not limited here. For example, the material of the pixel wall 19 may include resin, such as one or more of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, and polyethersulfone.

[0083] The electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18. During certain time periods (when no electric field is applied), such as during the movement or bending of the display panel, the polar solvent, non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18 in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink may become miscible, meaning that no stratification occurs between the polar solvent and the non-polar solvent, and some electrophoretic particles 18 are dispersed in the polar solvent and some are dispersed in the non-polar solvent. During certain time periods, such as when the display panel is under applied voltage and the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is under the influence of an electric field, or when the display panel is stationary, stratification occurs between the polar solvent and the non-polar solvent due to the difference in polarity. Since the interaction force (attraction force) between the electrophoretic particles 18 and the non-polar solvent is greater than the interaction force (attraction force) between the electrophoretic particles 18 and the polar solvent 17, the electrophoretic particles 18 will be dispersed in the non-polar solvent.

[0084] Polar solvents are solvents containing polar groups such as hydroxyl (-OH) or carbonyl (-C=O), meaning their molecules are polar molecules. This polarity arises because the centers of positive and negative charges within the molecule do not coincide. The physical quantities used to characterize the magnitude of molecular polarity are the dipole moment or dielectric constant; a large dielectric constant indicates strong polarity.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, polar solvents may include alcohol solvents, acid ester solvents and amide solvents. Commonly used polar solvents include water, formamide, ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, etc.

[0086] Nonpolar solvents are solvents composed of solutions of nonpolar molecules. These molecules are mostly covalently bonded, have no electrons or very low electronic activity, and also refer to solvents with small dipole moments. They are a class of solvents with low dielectric constants, also known as inert solvents. These solvents neither undergo proton self-transfer reactions nor solvate with solutes. Commonly used nonpolar solvents include benzene, liquid paraffin, chloroform, diethyl ether, carbon tetrahalide, and gasoline.

[0087] In the embodiments of this application, the polar solvent may also include tetrachloroethylene, Isopar H, and dodecylbenzene, etc. Among them, Isopar H is a high-purity isoparaffin solvent, which is an odorless, low-toxicity, and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon solvent oil.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the interaction between the electrophoretic particles 18 and the nonpolar solvent may include similarity-based solubility.

[0089] In a narrow sense, the principle of "like dissolves like" means that "a solute composed of polar molecules is easily soluble in a solvent composed of polar molecules; and a solute composed of non-polar molecules is easily soluble in a solvent composed of non-polar molecules."

[0090] In addition, the principle of "like dissolves like" can also be understood as follows:

[0091] The first type: substances containing the same functional groups are mutually soluble;

[0092] The second type: polar molecules are easily soluble in polar solvents, and nonpolar molecules are easily soluble in nonpolar solvents;

[0093] The third type: If their polarities are similar or close, they can dissolve in each other.

[0094] In the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18; as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part. The first part of non-polar solvent 15, the polar solvent 17, and the second part of non-polar solvent 16 are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate 1. Electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed in the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16). Thus, when the electrophoretic particles 18 move to the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16 for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles 18 are always distributed in the non-polar solvent, after the electric field is removed, the electrophoretic particles 18 can still maintain their state and will not move out of the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent. This allows the display image on the display panel to continue to be displayed without disappearing, achieving bistable display and greatly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0095] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the display panel includes a first surface treatment layer 10 and a second surface treatment layer 14. The first surface treatment layer 10 is located between the first substrate 1 and the electrophoretic solution layer Ink, and the second surface treatment layer 14 is located between the second substrate 11 and the electrophoretic solution layer Ink.

[0096] The interaction force between the first surface treatment layer 10, the second surface treatment layer 14 and the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first part of the non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of the non-polar solvent 16) is greater than the interaction force between the first surface treatment layer 10, the second surface treatment layer 14 and the polar solvent 17.

[0097] For example, the interaction between the first surface treatment layer 10, the second surface treatment layer 14 and the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first portion of the non-polar solvent 15 or the second portion of the non-polar solvent 16) is a similarity-based dissolution effect. For a detailed description of the similarity-based dissolution effect, please refer to the description above.

[0098] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 have the same polarity as the non-polar solvent.

[0099] As mentioned above, solvents are divided into polar solvents and non-polar solvents, and materials can also include polar materials and non-polar materials; the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 have the same polarity as the non-polar solvent, indicating that the materials of the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 are non-polar materials (i.e., non-polar substances or non-polar molecules).

[0100] Polar substances: From a molecular structure perspective, when the number of carbon atoms in a polar substance molecule is odd, it is always not perfectly symmetrical and therefore polar. When the number of carbon atoms in a molecule is even, the polarity of the bonds in the molecule can only completely cancel each other out, resulting in a zero dipole moment, if the carbon atoms are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the same plane. From the perspective of molecular forces, the centers of positive and negative charges in a polar substance molecule do not coincide; from the perspective of the entire molecule, the distribution of charge is uneven and asymmetrical.

[0101] Nonpolar substances: From a molecular structure perspective, a nonpolar molecule is nonpolar when all bonds are nonpolar (except for O3). A nonpolar molecule is also nonpolar if all bonds are identical (polar), but the molecule has a symmetrical configuration. From a molecular force perspective, given the known bond angles (or spatial structure) of a nonpolar molecule, force analysis can be performed, and the net force is zero.

[0102] In nonpolar materials, there is a "like dissolves like" effect between nonpolar molecules and nonpolar solvents, as described above.

[0103] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, both the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 are in direct contact with the electrophoretic solution layer Ink.

[0104] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the materials of the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 both include non-polar materials.

[0105] For example, nonpolar materials can be selected from polymers such as nonpolar imides, polyesters, polypropylenes, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0106] Since both the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 are made of non-polar materials, the interaction force (attraction force) between the materials of the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 and the non-polar solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is greater than the interaction force (attraction force) between the materials of the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14 and the polar solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink. Thus, under the action of the materials of the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second surface treatment layer 14, the non-polar solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is easily separated into two parts, with the first part of the non-polar solvent 15 close to the first surface treatment layer 10 and the second part of the non-polar solvent 16 close to the second surface treatment layer 14 (the first part of the non-polar solvent 15 is in direct contact with the first surface treatment layer 10, and the second part of the non-polar solvent 16 is in direct contact with the second surface treatment layer 14). This causes the electrophoretic solution layer Ink to separate into layers, and the polar solvent 17 is located between the first part of the non-polar solvent 15 and the second part of the non-polar solvent 16.

[0107] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic particles 18 comprise an oleophilic material.

[0108] For example, electrophoretic particle 18 is a charged particle that can move in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink under the influence of an electric field.

[0109] For example, most nonpolar solvents are oil-soluble solvents. By including oleophilic materials in the electrophoretic particles 18, the electrophoretic particles 18 can be more inclined to disperse in nonpolar solvents (e.g., in the first part of the nonpolar solvent 15 or the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16).

[0110] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the content of non-polar solvent (the total amount of the first portion of non-polar solvent 15 and the second portion of non-polar solvent 16) in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is greater than the content of polar solvent 17.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, by setting the electrophoretic solution layer Ink to include both non-polar solvent and polar solvent 17, under the combined action of polar solvent 17, first surface treatment layer 10 and second surface treatment layer 14, it is easier to cause the solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer Ink to be divided into three layers. The main function of polar solvent 17 is to separate the first part of non-polar solvent 15 and the second part of non-polar solvent 16. The main function of the first part of non-polar solvent 15 and the second part of non-polar solvent 16 is to disperse electrophoretic particles 18. In order to reduce the thickness of the display panel and save raw materials, when polar solvent 17 can separate the first part of non-polar solvent 15 and the second part of non-polar solvent 16, the amount of polar solvent 17 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0112] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the display state includes a bright state and a dark state;

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, in the bright state, electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in the first nonpolar region.

[0114] In solvent 15;

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, in the dark, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16.

[0116] In some embodiments, in a bright state, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in a first portion of the nonpolar solvent 15 and disposed close to the first surface treatment layer 10.

[0117] In some embodiments, in the dark, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in the second portion of the nonpolar solvent 16 and disposed close to the second surface treatment layer 14.

[0118] In conjunction with the preceding description of the working principles of bright and dark states of display panels in related technologies, the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application operates on a similar principle, namely: Figure 4 As shown, in the bright state, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in the first portion of the non-polar solvent 15. When ambient light enters the display panel from the second substrate 11, because the electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed on the side close to the first substrate 1, the amount of ambient light absorbed by the electrophoretic particles 18 is very small. Most of the ambient light undergoes total internal reflection at the position between the lens layer 13 and the second surface treatment layer 14, and thus is emitted again from the second substrate 11 and illuminates the human eye, making the image display bright at this time. Figure 6As shown, in the dark state, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to be distributed in the second part of the non-polar solvent 16. When ambient light enters the display panel from the second substrate 11, since the electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed on the side close to the second substrate 11, the absorption of ambient light by the electrophoretic particles 18 is very large. Most of the ambient light is absorbed at the position between the second surface treatment layer 14 and the second part of the non-polar solvent 16, so almost no reflected light shines into the human eye, making the screen display dark at this time.

[0119] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bright state includes a first stage and a second stage;

[0120] like Figure 3 As shown, in the first stage, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is configured to be in a first electric field, and the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to migrate to the first part of the nonpolar solvent 15 under the action of the first electric field.

[0121] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second stage, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to remain distributed in the first part of the nonpolar solvent 15.

[0122] In practical applications, under the influence of the first electric field, during the first stage, electrophoretic particles 18 move along... Figure 3 As shown by the arrow, the electrophoretic particles 18, containing oleophilic materials, exhibit weak interaction with the polar solvent 17. Consequently, the electrophoretic particles 18 migrate along the direction of the electric field to the non-polar solvent 15. During this migration, some solvent from the second non-polar solvent 16 may be carried into the first non-polar solvent 15 and dissolved therein. It should be noted that the amounts of the first and second non-polar solvents 15 change slightly at this time, but this does not interfere with the stratification of the first non-polar solvent 15, polar solvent 17, and second non-polar solvent 16. As explained in the preceding description of the display principle, the display panel is in a bright state at this time.

[0123] In the second stage, such as Figure 4 All the electrophoretic particles 18 shown remain distributed in the first part of the non-polar solvent 15. When the first electric field is removed, since the electrophoretic particles 18 include oleophilic materials, the electrophoretic particles 18 can be stably dispersed in the first part of the non-polar solvent 15, thereby keeping the display panel continuously bright and continuously displaying the image, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the display panel and realizes the steady-state display of the electrophoretic display panel.

[0124] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the dark state includes the third and fourth stages;

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown, in the third stage, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink is configured to be in the second electric field, and the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to migrate to the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16 under the action of the second electric field.

[0126] like Figure 6 As shown, in the fourth stage, the electrophoretic particles 18 are configured to remain distributed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 18; wherein the field strengths of the first electric field and the second electric field are in opposite directions.

[0127] In practical applications, under the influence of the second electric field, in the third stage, electrophoretic particles 18 move along... Figure 5 As shown by the arrow, the electrophoretic particles 18, containing oleophilic materials, exhibit weak interaction with the polar solvent 17. The particles migrate along the direction of the electric field to the second non-polar solvent 16. During this migration, some solvent from the first non-polar solvent 15 may be carried into the second non-polar solvent 16 and dissolved therein. It should be noted that the amounts of the first and second non-polar solvents 15 change slightly, but this does not interfere with the stratification of the first non-polar solvent 15, polar solvent 17, and second non-polar solvent 16. As explained in the preceding description of the display principle, the display panel is in a dark state at this time.

[0128] When in the fourth stage, such as Figure 6 As shown, all the electrophoretic particles 18 remain distributed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16. When the second electric field is removed, since the electrophoretic particles 18 include oleophilic materials, the electrophoretic particles 18 can be stably dispersed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16, thereby keeping the display panel in a dark state and continuously displaying the image, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the display panel and realizes the steady-state display of the electrophoretic display panel.

[0129] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the sub-pixel also includes a driving circuit, a pixel electrode 9 and a first dielectric layer 20 disposed sequentially on the first substrate 1;

[0130] The pixel electrode 9 is electrically connected to the driving circuit, the first dielectric layer 20 covers the pixel electrode 9, and the first surface treatment layer 10 covers the first dielectric layer 20.

[0131] For example, the driving circuit includes transistors, and the transistors include, for example, Figure 9 The diagram shows a gate 2, a gate insulating layer 3 covering the gate 2, an active layer 4, and a source / drain conductive layer 5 (including the source and drain of the transistor). The drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 9 through a conductive structure 8.

[0132] The display panel also includes a passivation layer 6 covering the source and drain conductive layers 5, and an organic layer 7 covering the passivation layer 6.

[0133] For example, gate 2 is disposed on gate layer, and the material of gate layer may include copper, for example, a stacked structure of MoNb / Cu / MoNb formed by sputtering, wherein the material near the first substrate 1 is MoNb, and the thickness is approximately [missing information]. The material is approximately [size missing], mainly used to improve the adhesion between film layers. The middle layer of the stacked structure is made of Cu, which serves as the material for electrical signal transmission channels. The material on the side furthest from the first substrate 1 is MoNb, with a thickness of approximately [size missing]. The left and right sides can be used to protect the intermediate layer, preventing oxidation of the low-resistivity intermediate layer surface. Since the thickness of a single sputtering is generally no more than 1 μm, multiple sputterings are required to form gate lines GL or gate 2 that are thicker than 1 μm. Alternatively, it can be formed by electroplating. Specifically, a seed layer can be formed using MoNiTi to increase the nucleation density of metal grains in subsequent electroplating processes. Then, a low-resistivity copper layer can be formed by electroplating, followed by an anti-oxidation layer, which can also be made of MoNiTi.

[0134] For example, the material of the source / drain conductive layer 5 can be the same as the material of the gate layer.

[0135] The conductive structure 8 is electrically connected to the drain of the transistor through a via, which penetrates the passivation layer 6 and the organic layer 7.

[0136] For example, the materials of the first dielectric layer 22 and the passivation layer 6 may both include inorganic materials, such as at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride.

[0137] For example, the material of the organic layer 7 may include organic materials, such as resin.

[0138] For example, the material of the pixel electrode 9 may include a conductive material, such as a conductive material (metal) with reflective properties, or a light-transmitting metal material (indium tin oxide or indium zinc oxide).

[0139] In at least one display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9As shown, the sub-pixel also includes a filter layer 12, a lens layer 13, a common electrode 21, and a second dielectric layer 22, which are sequentially arranged on the side of the second substrate 11 near the electrophoretic solution layer Ink; the second surface treatment layer 14 is located between the second dielectric layer 22 and the electrophoretic solution layer Ink.

[0140] For example, the material of the filter layer 12 includes resin. In some examples, the material of the filter layer 12 includes resin and pigment (or dye), which may be determined based on the display color of the sub-pixels. The filter layer 12 includes a filter pattern and a black matrix material located between two adjacent filter patterns.

[0141] For example, when a subpixel displays white, the material of the filter pattern is colorless transparent resin; when a subpixel displays red, the material of the filter pattern is red transparent resin; when a subpixel displays green, the material of the filter pattern is green transparent resin; and when a subpixel displays blue, the material of the filter pattern is blue transparent resin.

[0142] For example, the lens layer 13 includes multiple lens structures; for example, the lens structures may be arc-shaped.

[0143] In some examples, there is a gap between two adjacent lens structures; in other examples, two adjacent lens structures are connected together.

[0144] For example, the material of the second dielectric layer 22 is the same as the material of the first dielectric layer 20.

[0145] Embodiments of this application provide a display device, including a display panel as described above.

[0146] The specific structure and description of the above display panel can be found in the previous text, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] In the display device provided in the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18; as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part. The first part of non-polar solvent 15, the polar solvent 17, and the second part of non-polar solvent 16 are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate 1. Electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed in the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16). Thus, when the electrophoretic particles 18 move to the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16 for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles 18 are always distributed in the non-polar solvent, after the electric field is removed, the electrophoretic particles 18 can still maintain their state and will not move out of the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent. This allows the display image on the display panel to continue to be displayed without disappearing, achieving bistable display and greatly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0148] In at least one display device provided in the embodiments of this application, the display device includes electronic paper.

[0149] Embodiments of this application provide a driving method for a display panel, applied to driving a display panel as described above, the method comprising:

[0150] S01. A first electric field is provided, and under the action of the first electric field, the electrophoretic particles 18 in the sub-pixel are distributed in the first part of the non-polar solvent 15, and the sub-pixel displays a bright image.

[0151] In practical applications, under the influence of the first electric field, electrophoretic particles 18 move along the path as shown in the image. Figure 3 As shown by the arrow, the electrophoretic particles 18, containing oleophilic materials, exhibit weak interaction with the polar solvent 17. Consequently, the electrophoretic particles 18 migrate along the direction of the electric field to the non-polar solvent 15. During this migration, some solvent from the second non-polar solvent 16 may be carried into the first non-polar solvent 15 and dissolved therein. It should be noted that the amounts of the first and second non-polar solvents 15 change slightly at this time, but this does not interfere with the stratification of the first non-polar solvent 15, polar solvent 17, and second non-polar solvent 16. As explained in the preceding description of the display principle, the display panel is in a bright state at this time.

[0152] S02, Remove the first electric field, and the sub-pixels continue to display a bright image;

[0153] like Figure 4All the electrophoretic particles 18 shown remain distributed in the first part of the non-polar solvent 15. When the first electric field is removed, since the electrophoretic particles 18 include oleophilic materials, the electrophoretic particles 18 can be stably dispersed in the first part of the non-polar solvent 15, thereby keeping the display panel continuously bright and continuously displaying the image, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the display panel and realizes the steady-state display of the electrophoretic display panel.

[0154] S03. A second electric field is provided. Under the action of the second electric field, the electrophoretic particles 18 in the sub-pixel are distributed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16, and the sub-pixel displays a black screen. The field strength directions of the first electric field and the second electric field are opposite.

[0155] Under the influence of the second electric field, electrophoretic particles 18 move along the path as shown in the image. Figure 5 As shown by the arrow, the electrophoretic particles 18, containing oleophilic materials, exhibit weak interaction with the polar solvent 17. The particles migrate along the direction of the electric field to the second non-polar solvent 16. During this migration, some solvent from the first non-polar solvent 15 may be carried into the second non-polar solvent 16 and dissolved therein. It should be noted that the amounts of the first and second non-polar solvents 15 change slightly, but this does not interfere with the stratification of the first non-polar solvent 15, polar solvent 17, and second non-polar solvent 16. As explained in the preceding description of the display principle, the display panel is in a dark state at this time.

[0156] S04. Remove the second electric field, and the sub-pixel continues to display a black screen.

[0157] like Figure 6 As shown, all the electrophoretic particles 18 remain distributed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16. When the second electric field is removed, since the electrophoretic particles 18 include oleophilic materials, the electrophoretic particles 18 can be stably dispersed in the second part of the nonpolar solvent 16, thereby keeping the display panel in a dark state and continuously displaying the image, which greatly reduces the power consumption of the display panel and realizes the steady-state display of the electrophoretic display panel.

[0158] In the display panel provided in the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18; as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part. The first part of non-polar solvent 15, the polar solvent 17, and the second part of non-polar solvent 16 are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate 1. Electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed in the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16). Thus, when the electrophoretic particles 18 move to the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16 for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles 18 are always distributed in the non-polar solvent, after the electric field is removed, the electrophoretic particles 18 can still maintain their state and will not move out of the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent. This allows the display image on the display panel to continue to be displayed without disappearing, achieving bistable display and greatly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0159] An embodiment of this application provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, the method being as follows:

[0160] 1. Provide such as Figure 11 The array substrate shown;

[0161] The array substrate includes a first substrate 1, a driving circuit (including a transistor TFT and a conductive structure 8), a pixel electrode 9, a first dielectric layer 20, and a first surface treatment layer 10.

[0162] In practical applications, a driving circuit (including a transistor TFT and a conductive structure 8), a pixel electrode 9, a first dielectric layer 20, and a first surface treatment layer 10 can be sequentially fabricated on the first substrate 1.

[0163] 2. Provide such as Figure 10 The color filter substrate shown;

[0164] The color filter substrate includes a second substrate 11, a filter layer 12 (including a filter pattern and a black matrix material located between two adjacent filter patterns), a lens layer 13, a common electrode 21, a second dielectric layer 22, and a second surface treatment layer 14.

[0165] In practical applications, a filter layer 12 (including a filter pattern and a black matrix material located between two adjacent filter patterns), a lens layer 13, a common electrode 21, a second dielectric layer 22, and a second surface treatment layer 14 can be sequentially fabricated on the second substrate 11.

[0166] 3. Form pixel walls (PWs) on the color filter substrate;

[0167] 4. Perform ODF (One Drop Filling) process and align the color filter substrate and array substrate.

[0168] The ODF (One Drop Filling) process is similar to the liquid crystal drop process in LCD panels, except that here the Ink electrophoresis solution is used for drop-off, while in LCD panels the liquid crystal solution is used for drop-off. For details, please refer to the relevant technical descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0169] In the display panel prepared according to the embodiments of this application, the electrophoretic solution layer Ink includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles 18; as shown... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part. The first part of non-polar solvent 15, the polar solvent 17, and the second part of non-polar solvent 16 are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate 1. Electrophoretic particles 18 are distributed in the non-polar solvent (e.g., the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16). Thus, when the electrophoretic particles 18 move to the first part of non-polar solvent 15 or the second part of non-polar solvent 16 for image display under the action of an electric field, since the electrophoretic particles 18 are always distributed in the non-polar solvent, after the electric field is removed, the electrophoretic particles 18 can still maintain their state and will not move out of the first part of non-polar solvent or the second part of non-polar solvent. This allows the display image on the display panel to continue to be displayed without disappearing, achieving bistable display and greatly reducing the power consumption of the display panel.

[0170] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: First substrate and second substrate; Multiple sub-pixels are arranged in an array between the first substrate and the second substrate; The sub-pixel includes an electrophoretic solution layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the electrophoretic solution layer includes a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent, and electrophoretic particles. In the display state, the non-polar solvent includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part of the non-polar solvent, the polar solvent, and the second part of the non-polar solvent are sequentially layered along a direction away from the first substrate; the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the non-polar solvent.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes a first surface treatment layer and a second surface treatment layer, wherein the first surface treatment layer is located between the first substrate and the electrophoretic solution layer, and the second surface treatment layer is located between the second substrate and the electrophoretic solution layer; The first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer have the same polarity as the non-polar solvent.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer are in direct contact with the electrophoretic solution layer.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer are made of non-polar materials.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electrophoretic particles include oleophilic materials.

6. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The content of the nonpolar solvent in the electrophoretic solution layer is greater than the content of the polar solvent.

7. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The display states include a bright state and a dark state; In the bright state, the electrophoretic particles are configured to be distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the first portion; In the dark state, the electrophoretic particles are configured to be distributed in the nonpolar solvent described in the second part.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bright state includes a first stage and a second stage; In the first stage, the electrophoretic solution layer is configured to be in a first electric field, and the electrophoretic particles are configured to migrate to the first portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the first electric field. In the second stage, the electrophoretic particles are configured to remain distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the first part.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The dark state includes a third stage and a fourth stage; In the third stage, the electrophoretic solution layer is configured to be in a second electric field, and the electrophoretic particles are configured to migrate to the second portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the second electric field. In the fourth stage, the electrophoretic particles are configured to remain distributed in the nonpolar solvent of the second part; wherein the field strengths of the first electric field and the second electric field are in opposite directions.

10. The display panel according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, The sub-pixel further includes a driving circuit, a pixel electrode, and a first dielectric layer disposed sequentially on the first substrate; The pixel electrode and the driving circuit are electrically connected, the first dielectric layer covers the pixel electrode, and the first surface treatment layer covers the first dielectric layer.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sub-pixel further includes a filter layer, a lens layer, a common electrode, and a second dielectric layer, which are sequentially disposed on the side of the second substrate near the electrophoretic solution layer; the second surface treatment layer is located between the second dielectric layer and the electrophoretic solution layer.

12. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The display device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The display device includes electronic paper.

14. A driving method for a display panel, characterized in that, The method, applied to driving a display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprises: A first electric field is provided, and the electrophoretic particles in the sub-pixel are distributed in the first portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the first electric field, and the sub-pixel displays a bright image; When the first electric field is removed, the sub-pixel continues to display a bright image; A second electric field is provided, and the electrophoretic particles in the sub-pixel are distributed in the second portion of the nonpolar solvent under the action of the second electric field, and the sub-pixel displays a black screen; the field strength directions of the first electric field and the second electric field are opposite; When the second electric field is removed, the sub-pixel continues to display a black screen.

Images