Display panel and display device, driving method

Abstract

This invention discloses a display panel, a display device, and a driving method. The display panel includes a dimming box and a display liquid crystal cell stacked on top of each other. The dimming box includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer. The first substrate and / or the second substrate are provided with a refractive layer, which has multiple protrusion structures. The first substrate is provided with a viewing angle auxiliary electrode, the second substrate is provided with a viewing angle control electrode, and a first electrochromic grating layer. In the wide viewing angle mode, the first electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state, and the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer. The liquid crystal layer and the first liquid crystal layer together scatter light, achieving a wide viewing angle effect even with a single dimming box. In the first narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state. The first electrochromic grating layer has a light-collecting function, thereby achieving a narrow viewing angle effect.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous advancement of LCD technology, the viewing angle of monitors has expanded from around 120° to over 160°. While enjoying the visual experience brought by a wider viewing angle, people also want to effectively protect trade secrets and personal privacy to avoid business losses or embarrassment caused by the leakage of screen information. Therefore, in addition to the need for a wide viewing angle, many situations also require display devices to have the function of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the first prior art at a narrow viewing angle; such as Figure 1 As shown, the prior art utilizes a dimming box 10 and a display liquid crystal cell 20 to achieve a dual-cell structure for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles. The display liquid crystal cell 20 is used for normal image display, while the dimming box 10 controls the viewing angle switching. The dimming box 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, and a first liquid crystal layer 13 between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. A first polarizer 31 is disposed between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 20. A second polarizer 32 is disposed on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 away from the dimming box 10, and a third polarizer 33 is disposed on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display liquid crystal cell 20. The transmission axes of the first polarizer 31 and the second polarizer 32 are perpendicular to each other, and the transmission axes of the first polarizer 31 and the third polarizer 33 are parallel to each other. The alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the transmission axes of the first polarizer 31 and the third polarizer 33. The first substrate 11 has a viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, and the second substrate 12 has a viewing angle control electrode 121. There is no voltage difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. When the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 remain in their initial flat state, the display panel presents a wide viewing angle mode. Alternatively, a large voltage difference (e.g., 5V) can be applied between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, causing the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 to deflect into a vertical state, resulting in another wide viewing angle mode for the display panel. Figure 1 As shown, a suitable voltage difference (e.g., 2V) is applied between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, causing the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 to deflect into a tilted straight state, thus enabling the display panel to achieve a narrow viewing angle mode with a wide viewing angle. The voltage across the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 allows for switching between wide and narrow viewing angles. Figure 2This is a graph showing the transmittance of a display panel in the first prior art as a function of the pressure difference between the first and second viewing angle control electrodes when the viewing angle is 45°; for example... Figure 2 This is a graph showing the transmittance of the display panel as a function of the pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 when the viewing angle (the polar angle is the angle between the viewing direction and the perpendicular line to the display panel; for example, when the viewing direction is perpendicular to the display panel, the polar angle is 0°) is 45°. Figure 2 It can be seen that during the process of the voltage difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 from 0 to 5V, the transmission at a viewing angle of 45° first decreases, reaching its lowest point at a voltage difference of 2V, and then increases, with the best narrow viewing angle effect at a voltage difference of 2V. However, this dimming box 10 has poor light collection effect and usually needs to be paired with a light-collecting backlight module 40. The light-collecting backlight module 40 is usually composed of a light source 41, a brightness enhancement film 42, and a privacy screen protector 43, which is more expensive and also leads to a poor display panel effect at wide viewing angles.

[0004] To address the poor light collection effect of the monotonous light box while avoiding affecting the wide viewing angle effect. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the second type of prior art at a narrow viewing angle; such as Figure 3 As shown, another existing technology employs two dimming boxes 10, thus achieving a good narrow viewing angle effect even with a common diffused backlight module 40, without affecting the wide viewing angle effect. Specifically, two dimming boxes 20 and a fourth polarizer 34 are added to the display liquid crystal cell 20. The transmission axes of the first polarizer 31, the third polarizer 33, and the fourth polarizer 34 are parallel to each other. The alignment directions of the first liquid crystal layer 13 in the two dimming boxes 20 are parallel to each other and parallel to the transmission axes of the first polarizer 31, the third polarizer 33, and the fourth polarizer 34. Figure 4 This is a simulation diagram of a single dimming box in the second prior art at a narrow viewing angle; Figure 5 This is a simulation diagram of the second type of prior art when two dimming boxes are superimposed at a narrow viewing angle. Figure 4 This is a narrow-viewing-angle effect diagram of a single dimming box 10. Figure 5The image shows the narrow viewing angle effect after two dimming boxes 10 are stacked. The narrow viewing angle effect of the display panel is achieved by combining the narrow viewing angle effects of the two dimming boxes 10, resulting in better light collection at narrow viewing angles. Specifically, the brightness of a single dimming box at a 45° angle from the left to the right / center is 9.85%, while the brightness of the two dimming boxes stacked at the same angle is 0.97%, indicating better light collection at narrow viewing angles. Table 1 below compares the wide and narrow viewing angle effects of a single dimming box and two dimming boxes. As shown in Table 1, the narrow viewing angle effect of the two dimming boxes is comparable to that of the single dimming box, but the dual dimming box does not require a light-gathering backlight module 40; however, the wide viewing angle effect of the dual dimming box is better than that of the single dimming box.

[0005]

[0006] However, display panels using dual dimming boxes have a three-box structure, which requires high assembly standards and results in a thick module; moreover, they require four polarizers, which is a large number and leads to poor light transmittance. Therefore, using dual dimming boxes is not the best choice. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a display panel, display device, and driving method to solve the problem of how to improve the wide viewing angle effect without increasing the module thickness and the number of polarizers in the prior art.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] This invention provides a display panel, including a dimming box and a display liquid crystal box stacked on top of each other. The dimming box is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles, and the display liquid crystal box is used to control the grayscale display of the image.

[0010] The dimming box includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and / or the second substrate have a refractive layer on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer. The refractive layer has a plurality of protrusion structures. The first substrate has a viewing angle auxiliary electrode on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer. The second substrate has a viewing angle control electrode and a first electrochromic grating layer on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer.

[0011] In the wide viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer and together with the refractive layer scatters light, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state; in the first narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state.

[0012] Furthermore, the first electrochromic grating layer includes a first electrode strip and a first electrochromic grating located between the first electrode strip and the viewing angle control electrode. Each first electrochromic grating corresponds one-to-one with the first electrode strip. The first electrode strip cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode and is used together to control the first electrochromic grating to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state.

[0013] Furthermore, the first electrode strip includes mutually insulated and spaced-apart odd-numbered electrode strips and even-numbered electrode strips, the odd-numbered electrode strips and the even-numbered electrode strips are parallel to each other and arranged alternately, multiple odd-numbered electrode strips are electrically connected to each other, multiple even-numbered electrode strips are electrically connected to each other, the odd-numbered electrode strips correspond to all odd-numbered first electrochromic gratings, and the even-numbered electrode strips correspond to all even-numbered first electrochromic gratings;

[0014] In the second narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, all odd / even first electrochromic gratings are in a non-transparent state, and all even / odd first electrochromic gratings are in a transparent state.

[0015] Furthermore, the second substrate has a second electrochromic grating layer on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer. The second electrochromic grating layer includes a second electrode strip and a second electrochromic grating located between the second electrode strip and the viewing angle control electrode. The projections of the first electrochromic grating and the second electrochromic grating on the second substrate are parallel to each other and staggered. Each second electrochromic grating corresponds to a second electrode strip. The second electrode strip cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode and is used together to control the switching of the second electrochromic grating between a transparent state and an opaque state.

[0016] In wide viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and together with the refractive layer, it scatters light. Both the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer are in a transparent state. In the first narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer. The first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state, and the second electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state. In high contrast mode, both the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer are in a non-transparent state.

[0017] Furthermore, the dimming box is located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell closer to the external environment, and a first polarizer is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell away from the dimming box. A second polarizer is provided between the dimming box and the display liquid crystal cell. The second polarizer is a reflective polarizer, and the transmission axis of the first polarizer is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the second polarizer.

[0018] The display panel has a pattern area and a background area. The viewing angle control electrode includes a first viewing angle control electrode corresponding to the pattern area and a second viewing angle control electrode corresponding to the background area. The first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode are insulated from each other and spaced apart.

[0019] In the always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer corresponding to the pattern area is transparent, while the first electrochromic grating layer corresponding to the background area is opaque.

[0020] Furthermore, the refractive index of the refractive layer is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer when they are in an upright position; in the wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a lying position; in the first narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in an upright position.

[0021] Alternatively, the refractive index of the refractive layer is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer when they are in a lying position; in the wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a standing position; in the first narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a lying position.

[0022] This application also provides a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described above, the driving method comprising:

[0023] In wide viewing angle mode, a corresponding wide viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode, the viewing angle control electrode, and the first electrochromic grating layer, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer and the refractive layer together scatter light.

[0024] In the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode, the viewing angle control electrode, and the first electrochromic grating layer, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state.

[0025] Furthermore, the dimming box is located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell closest to the external environment, and a first polarizer is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell away from the dimming box. A second polarizer is provided between the dimming box and the display liquid crystal cell. The second polarizer is a reflective polarizer, and the transmission axis of the first polarizer is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the second polarizer. The display panel has a pattern area and a background area. The viewing angle control electrode includes a first viewing angle control electrode corresponding to the pattern area and a second viewing angle control electrode corresponding to the background area. The first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode are insulated from each other and spaced apart.

[0026] The driving method includes:

[0027] In always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer corresponding to the pattern area is controlled to be transparent, and the first electrochromic grating layer corresponding to the background area is controlled to be opaque.

[0028] Furthermore, the second substrate has a second electrochromic grating layer on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer. The projections of the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer on the second substrate are parallel to each other and staggered. The driving method includes:

[0029] In wide viewing angle mode, a corresponding wide viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode, the viewing angle control electrode, the first electrochromic grating layer, and the second electrochromic grating layer, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and both the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer are in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer and the refractive layer together scatter light.

[0030] In the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode, the viewing angle control electrode, the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state and the second electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state.

[0031] In high contrast mode, both the first electrochromic grating layer and the second electrochromic grating layer are controlled to be in a non-transparent state, reducing the module's dark-state brightness, thereby achieving high contrast.

[0032] This application also provides a display device, including the display panel described above.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In the wide viewing angle mode, the first electrochromic grating layer is in a transparent state, and the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer and together with the refractive layer scatters light, thus achieving a wide viewing angle effect even when using a single dimming box; In the first narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer, and the first electrochromic grating layer is in a non-transparent state, thus having a light-collecting function, thereby achieving a narrow viewing angle effect; Moreover, the dimming box does not need to be used in conjunction with a polarizer, greatly reducing the module thickness and the number of polarizers, thereby increasing the light transmittance. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the first prior art when the viewing angle is narrow;

[0035] Figure 2 It is a graph showing the change in transmittance of a display panel with respect to the pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode when the viewing angle is 45° in the first prior art.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the second prior art when the viewing angle is narrow;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a simulation diagram of a single dimming box in the second prior art at a narrow viewing angle;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a simulation diagram of the second type of prior art when two dimming boxes are superimposed at a narrow viewing angle.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in a wide viewing angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention at a wide viewing angle;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode strip in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the second narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the viewing angle control electrode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention when the viewing angle is narrow.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the viewing angle control electrode in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 17 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the off-screen display mode according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention when the screen is off.

[0052] Figure 19 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in embodiment five of the present invention at high contrast.

[0055] Figure 22 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the planar structure of the display device in this invention;

[0056] Figure 23 This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, provides a detailed explanation of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the display panel, display device, and driving method proposed according to the present invention:

[0058] [Example 1]

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a display panel includes a dimming box 10 and a display liquid crystal cell 20 stacked on top of each other. The dimming box 10 is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles, and the display liquid crystal cell 20 is used to control the grayscale display of the image. In this embodiment, there is one dimming box 10 and one display liquid crystal cell 20. The dimming box 10 is located below the display liquid crystal cell 20, that is, between the display liquid crystal cell 20 and the backlight module 40. Of course, the dimming box 10 can also be located above the display liquid crystal cell 20, that is, on the light-emitting side of the display liquid crystal cell 20.

[0060] The display liquid crystal cell 20 has a first polarizer 31 on the side away from the dimming box 10, and a second polarizer 32 between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 20. The transmission axis of the first polarizer 31 and the transmission axis of the second polarizer 32 are perpendicular to each other. The side of the dimming box 10 away from the display liquid crystal cell 20 has no polarizer or other polarizing film.

[0061] The dimming box 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12 disposed opposite to the first substrate 11, and a first liquid crystal layer 13 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The second substrate 12 has a refractive layer 14 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the refractive layer 14 has multiple protrusions. The first substrate 11 has a viewing angle assist electrode 111 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the second substrate 12 has a viewing angle control electrode 121 and a first electrochromic grating layer 15 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The viewing angle assist electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 cooperate with each other to jointly control the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13. Alternatively, the refractive layer 14 can be provided on the side of the first substrate 11 facing the first liquid crystal layer 13, or both the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can have a refractive layer 14 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. By controlling the voltage applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven to deflect, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14 and together with the refractive layer 14 scatters light. When combined with the transparent state of the first electrochromic grating layer 15, a wide viewing angle mode is achieved; or the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and when combined with the non-transparent state of the first electrochromic grating layer 15, a narrow viewing angle mode is achieved, thereby realizing the switching between the wide viewing angle mode and the narrow viewing angle mode.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 13 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. The positive liquid crystal molecules have a Δn = ne - no, Δn > 0, and a larger Δn is more beneficial for light scattering at wide viewing angles. Preferably, positive liquid crystal molecules with Δn = 0.25 and a relief > 300 nm are used. In the initial state, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are aligned parallel to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The alignment directions of the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the first substrate 11 and the positive liquid crystal molecules closer to the second substrate 12 are parallel or antiparallel. Of course, the positive liquid crystal molecules can have a small pretilt angle (e.g., less than 5°) during initial alignment, meaning that the positive liquid crystal molecules initially form a small angle with the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, which can accelerate the deflection of the positive liquid crystal molecules towards the vertical direction when switching to a narrow viewing angle. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are both ordinary substrates, i.e., transparent substrates, and no color resist material needs to be placed on the first substrate 11 or the second substrate 12. Of course, in other embodiments, the first liquid crystal layer 13 can also use negative liquid crystal molecules, i.e., liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy. In this case, the negative liquid crystal molecule's Δn = ne - no, Δn < 0, and the larger the -Δn, the better the light-scattering effect at a wide viewing angle.

[0063] In this embodiment, the refractive index of the refractive layer 14 is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 when they are in an upright position, that is, the refractive index of the refractive layer 14 is equal to no. The refractive layer 14 can be made of materials such as resin, photoresist, or OC, with a refractive index between 1.48 and 1.65. In the industry, the refractive index no of positive liquid crystal molecules is between 1.48 and 1.65, and ne is 1.8. Therefore, the refractive layer 14 can be made of a light-transmitting material with a refractive index of 1.5. In the wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a lying position. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thereby achieving a wide viewing angle display. In narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in an upright position. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light passes directly through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13 without changing the angle of the light, thus achieving narrow viewing angle display. Of course, in other embodiments, the refractive index of the refractive layer 14 can also be equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 when they are in a lying position, i.e., the refractive index of the refractive layer 14 is ne. In wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in an upright position. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light is scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thus achieving wide viewing angle display. In narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a lying position. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light passes directly through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13 without changing the angle of the light, thus achieving narrow viewing angle display.

[0064] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion structure of the refractive layer 14 is a semi-circular structure, a triangular structure, or a trapezoidal structure, and the planar shape of the protrusion structure is a strip structure, that is, the protrusion structure is an inverted triangular prism, a semi-cylinder, or a trapezoidal prism.

[0065] In this embodiment, both the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 are planar electrodes with the entire surface disposed. That is, the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 is a planar electrode with the entire surface disposed on the first substrate 11, and the viewing angle control electrode 121 is a planar electrode with the entire surface disposed on the second substrate 12, so that the dimming box 10 can simultaneously and completely control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0066] Furthermore, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 includes multiple first electrode strips 151 and multiple first electrochromic gratings 152 located between the first electrode strips 151 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. Each first electrochromic grating 152 corresponds one-to-one with a first electrode strip 151. The first electrode strips 151 cooperate with the viewing angle control electrode 121 to control the switching of the first electrochromic grating 152 between a transparent and an opaque state. By controlling the switching of the first electrochromic grating 152 between a transparent and an opaque state through the first electrode strips 151 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, one electrode layer can be saved, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In this embodiment, all the first electrode strips 151 are electrically connected together in the non-display area at the edge, so that the same electrical signal can be applied simultaneously, thereby enabling the first electrochromic grating layer 15 to switch between a transparent and an opaque state simultaneously and on the entire surface. In its non-transparent state, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 absorbs large-angle light rays, allowing only small-angle light rays to pass through the gaps between adjacent first electrochromic gratings 152. This gives the first electrochromic grating layer 15 a light-gathering effect in its non-transparent state, resulting in a narrow viewing angle. Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where a flexible plastic film material exhibits stable and reversible color changes in its optical properties (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) under the influence of an applied electric field. Existing technologies, such as magnetron sputtering and vacuum evaporation on glass substrates, are commercially available. When a voltage of 5-12V is applied, the electrochromic material changes from a transparent state to a black (non-transparent) state.

[0067] The electrochromic wire grid is made of IrO2, WO3, MoO3, Nb2O5, or TiO2. Specifically, one of the following materials can be selected: iridium oxide (IrO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), or titanium dioxide (TiO2). Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where the optical properties (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) of a material undergo a stable and reversible color change under the action of an applied electrical signal, which manifests as a reversible change in color and transparency; that is, a material with electrochromic properties is called an electrochromic material. It should be noted that this application is not limited to this, and only some materials that can be used to make electrochromic wire grids are provided here for selection. Among them, iridium oxide (IrO2) is preferred for making electrochromic wire grids in this application.

[0068] The display liquid crystal cell 20 includes a color filter substrate 21, an array substrate 22 disposed opposite to the color filter substrate 21, and a second liquid crystal layer 23 located between the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. Preferably, the second liquid crystal layer 23 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. In the initial state, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 23 are aligned parallel to the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. The alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the color filter substrate 21 is parallel or antiparallel to the alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the array substrate 22.

[0069] The color filter substrate 21 has color resist layers 212 arranged in an array and black matrix 211 separating the color resist layers 212. The color resist layers 212 include color resist materials of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors, and correspondingly form sub-pixels of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors.

[0070] The array substrate 22 has multiple pixel units defined by multiple scan lines and multiple data lines that are mutually insulated and intersecting on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. Each pixel unit has a pixel electrode 222 and a thin-film transistor. The pixel electrode 222 is electrically connected to the data line of the adjacent thin-film transistor through the thin-film transistor. The thin-film transistor includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate and the scan line are located on the same layer and are electrically connected. The gate and the active layer are isolated by an insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data line, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 222 through a contact hole.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a common electrode 221 is further provided on the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. The common electrode 221 and the pixel electrode 222 are located on different layers and are insulated from each other by an insulating layer. The common electrode 221 can be located above or below the pixel electrode 222. Figure 6The diagram shows the common electrode 221 located below the pixel electrode 222. Preferably, the common electrode 221 is a planar electrode disposed across the entire surface, and the pixel electrode 222 is a block electrode disposed within each pixel unit or a slit electrode with multiple electrode strips, to form a fringe field switching (FFS) mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may be located on the same layer, but they are insulated from each other. Both the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may include multiple electrode strips, and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 222 and the electrode strips of the common electrode 221 are arranged alternately to form an in-plane switching (IPS) mode; or, in other embodiments, the array substrate 22 has a pixel electrode 222 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, and the color filter substrate 21 has a common electrode 221 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23 to form a TN mode or a VA mode. For further descriptions of the TN mode and VA mode, please refer to the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0072] The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the color filter substrate 21, and the array substrate 22 can be made of materials such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the common electrode 221, and the pixel electrode 222 can be made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0073] This embodiment provides a display device, including the display panel described above. A backlight module 40 is provided on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display liquid crystal cell 20. Preferably, the backlight module 40 adopts a collimated backlight (CBL) mode, which can collect light and ensure display effect. The backlight module 40 includes a backlight source 41 and a brightness enhancement film 42, which increases the brightness of the backlight module 40. The backlight module 40 does not require a privacy screen 43. Figure 1 and Figure 3 This is done to avoid affecting the wide viewing angle effect and reduce costs. Of course, in other embodiments, the backlight module 40 can also be provided with a privacy film 43 to increase the privacy effect.

[0074] This application also provides a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described above. The driving method includes:

[0075] Figure 7 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in wide-viewing-angle mode, corresponding wide-viewing-angle signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer 13 and the refractive layer 14 jointly scatter light. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3 are the same and are all common voltage signals (Vcom). At this time, since there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state; and there is also no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules basically do not deflect and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thereby realizing wide viewing angle display.

[0076] Figure 9 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a non-transparent state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 are the same and are both common voltage signals (Vcom). The second voltage V2 is an AC voltage (e.g., ±12V) that fluctuates around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, since there is also a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, making the positive liquid crystal molecules perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is directly incident when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change. Meanwhile, there is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 becomes opaque. The opaque first electrochromic grating layer 15 has the function of absorbing light, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle display. The privacy protection effect of the narrow viewing angle is determined by the light absorption effect of the first electrochromic grating layer 15.

[0077] In both wide-viewing-angle and narrow-viewing-angle displays, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, generating a horizontal electric field. Figure 8 and Figure 10 In the second liquid crystal layer 23 (E1), the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the intensity of light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 23 and realizing grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit presents different brightness, thereby displaying different images at wide viewing angles, so as to realize the normal display of the display device at both wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0078] [Example 2]

[0079] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode strip in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention at the second narrow viewing angle. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the display panel and display device, driving method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 6 to 10 The display panel, display device, and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0080] The first electrode strip 151 includes mutually insulated and spaced-apart odd-numbered electrode strips 151a and even-numbered electrode strips 151b. The odd-numbered electrode strips 151a and even-numbered electrode strips 151b are parallel to each other and arranged alternately. The odd-numbered electrode strips 151a correspond to all odd-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152, and the even-numbered electrode strips 151b correspond to all even-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152. The multiple odd-numbered electrode strips 151a are electrically connected to each other, and the multiple even-numbered electrode strips 151b are electrically connected to each other, so that the multiple odd-numbered electrode strips 151a can apply the same electrical signal at the same time, and the multiple even-numbered electrode strips 151b can apply the same electrical signal at the same time, so as to control the light-gathering effect of the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and control the narrow viewing angle effect. Of course, in other embodiments, each first electrode strip 151 is controlled independently, so that each first electrode strip 151 can be individually applied with different electrical signals to control the first electrochromic grating layer 15 to have different light-gathering effects, so as to achieve different narrow viewing angle effects.

[0081] This application also provides a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described above. The driving method further includes:

[0082] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in wide-viewing-angle mode, corresponding wide-viewing-angle signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer 13 and the refractive layer 14 jointly scatter light. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3 are the same and are all common voltage signals (Vcom). At this time, since there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state; and there is also no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules basically do not deflect and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thereby realizing wide viewing angle display.

[0083] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a non-transparent state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 are the same and are both common voltage signals (Vcom). The second voltage V2 is an AC voltage (e.g., ±12V) that fluctuates around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, since there is also a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, making the positive liquid crystal molecules perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is directly incident when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change. Meanwhile, there is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 becomes opaque. The opaque first electrochromic grating layer 15 has the function of absorbing light, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle display. The privacy protection effect of the narrow viewing angle is determined by the light absorption effect of the first electrochromic grating layer 15.

[0084] like Figure 12As shown, in the second narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. All odd-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 are in a non-transparent state, and all even-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 are in a transparent state; or all even-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 are in a non-transparent state, and all odd-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 are in a transparent state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the same electrical signal as the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 is applied to multiple odd-numbered electrode strips 151a, a second voltage V2 is applied to the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the same electrical signal as the viewing angle control electrode 121 is applied to multiple even-numbered electrode strips 151b. The first voltage V1 is a common voltage signal (Vcom), and the second voltage V2 is an AC voltage (e.g., ±12V) that fluctuates around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, since there is also a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, making the positive liquid crystal molecules perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is directly incident when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change. There is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the multiple odd-numbered electrode strips 151a, and there is no voltage difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the multiple even-numbered electrode strips 151b. All odd-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 become opaque, and all even-numbered first electrochromic gratings 152 become transparent. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 has the function of collecting light, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle display. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 has a light-gathering effect of 60-70 degrees in the second narrow viewing angle mode and a light-gathering effect of 30 degrees in the first narrow viewing angle mode. Therefore, the privacy angle of the second narrow viewing angle mode is different from that of the first narrow viewing angle mode.

[0085] In one embodiment, when the display panel and display device are applied to the display screen of a bank ATM, the application scenarios of the first narrow viewing angle mode, the second narrow viewing angle mode, and the wide viewing angle mode are as follows: in the 30-degree anti-peeping mode (first narrow viewing angle mode), it is visible only to oneself when withdrawing money, and it is also anti-peeping to others; when a bank teller is needed to assist with the transaction, the 60-70 degree anti-peeping mode (second narrow viewing angle mode) is used, which allows two people to see the transaction while preventing others from seeing it; in the wide viewing angle mode, it is a normal display mode that allows everyone to see the transaction.

[0086] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] [Example 3]

[0088] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the viewing angle control electrode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention when the viewing angle is narrow. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the display panel, display device, and driving method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are similar to those in Embodiment 1. Figures 6 to 10 The display panel, display device, and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0089] The viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface, and the viewing angle control electrode 121 includes multiple independent block electrodes. For example, the viewing angle control electrode 121 includes multiple independent block electrodes, and each block electrode can generate a wide viewing angle signal and a narrow viewing angle signal, so that the dimming box 10 can control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles in different areas to achieve the effect of regional privacy protection.

[0090] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0091] [Example 4]

[0092] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the viewing angle control electrode in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the display panel and display device, driving method provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 6 to 10 The display panel, display device, and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0093] The dimming box 10 is located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 closest to the external environment. The second polarizer 32 is a reflective polarizer, meaning it has a transmission axis and a reflection axis, which are perpendicular to each other. For example, the second polarizer 32 can be an advanced polarizer film (APF) with a specular reflectivity (SCI) of over 46%. By using a reflective polarizer 32 and placing the dimming box 10 on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 20 closest to the external environment, the reflection effect of ambient light can be increased, thereby improving the privacy protection effect for narrow viewing angles and achieving a gold-colored privacy effect.

[0094] The display panel has a pattern area 110 and a background area 120. The viewing angle control electrode 121 includes a first viewing angle control electrode 121a corresponding to the pattern area 110 and a second viewing angle control electrode 121b corresponding to the background area 120. The first viewing angle control electrode 121a and the second viewing angle control electrode 121b are insulated from each other and spaced apart. The pattern in the pattern area 110 can be a logo, time, date, weather, or other similar pattern, so that the logo, time, date, weather, or other similar patterns can be displayed when the screen is off.

[0095] This application also provides a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described above. The driving method includes:

[0096] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in wide-viewing-angle mode, a corresponding wide-viewing-angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer 13 and the refractive layer 14 jointly scatter light. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121 (the first viewing angle control electrode 121a and the second viewing angle control electrode 121b), and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3 are the same and are all common voltage signals (Vcom). At this time, since there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state; and there is also no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules basically do not deflect and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thereby realizing wide viewing angle display.

[0097] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a non-transparent state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121 (the first viewing angle control electrode 121a and the second viewing angle control electrode 121b), and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 are the same and are both common voltage signals (Vcom). The second voltage V2 is an AC voltage (e.g., ±12V) that fluctuates around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, since there is also a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, making the positive liquid crystal molecules perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is directly incident when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change. Meanwhile, there is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 becomes opaque. The opaque first electrochromic grating layer 15 has the function of absorbing light, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle display. The privacy protection effect of the narrow viewing angle is determined by the light absorption effect of the first electrochromic grating layer 15.

[0098] Figure 17 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention when the screen is off. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention when the screen is off. Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, in the always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 corresponding to the control pattern area 110 is in a transparent state, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 corresponding to the control background area 120 is in a non-transparent state. It can be understood that in the always-on display mode, both the display liquid crystal cell 20 and the backlight module 40 are in a turned-off state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a first voltage signal V21 is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 121a, a second voltage signal V22 is applied to the second viewing angle control electrode 121b, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151. The first voltage V1, the first voltage signal V21, and the third voltage V3 are the same and are all common voltage signals (Vcom). The second voltage signal V22 is an AC voltage (e.g., ±12V) that fluctuates around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, for pattern region 110, since there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the first viewing angle control electrode 121a of pattern region 110, the positive liquid crystal molecules of pattern region 110 are basically not deflected and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 of pattern region 110 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13. There is also no pressure difference between the first viewing angle control electrode 121a and the first electrode strip 151. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 of pattern region 110 is in a transparent state. When the environment shines on the second polarizer 32, it is reflected. The brightness of pattern region 110 is relatively bright and it is in a scattered state. For background region 120, there is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 121b. Under the action of a vertical electric field, the positive liquid crystal molecules in background region 120 will deflect, making them perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules in background region 120 change from a lying position to an upright position. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, background region 120... Light of 0° passes directly through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, without changing its angle. A significant voltage difference (e.g., 12V) also exists between the second viewing angle control electrode 121b and the first electrode strip 151 of the background area 120. This causes the first electrochromic grating layer 15 to become opaque. This opaque state of the first electrochromic grating layer 15 absorbs light, resulting in partial absorption of ambient light. Consequently, the background area 120 is dimmer and in a light-absorbing state. Therefore, the off-screen display is achieved through the brightness difference between the pattern area 110 and the background area 120 reflecting ambient light. This brightness difference becomes more pronounced when viewed from a wide viewing angle.

[0099] In another embodiment, the second substrate 12 has a second electrochromic grating layer 16 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The second electrochromic grating layer 16 includes a second electrode strip 161 and a second electrochromic grating 162 located between the second electrode strip 161 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. The projections of the first electrochromic grating 152 and the second electrochromic grating 162 on the second substrate 12 are parallel to each other and staggered. Each second electrochromic grating 162 corresponds to a second electrode strip 161. The second electrode strip 161 cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode 121 and is used together to control the second electrochromic grating 162 to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. In the always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 of the control pattern area 110 are both transparent, while the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 of the control background area 120 are both opaque. Light has difficulty passing through the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 of the background area 120, thus making the brightness difference of ambient light reflected by the pattern area 110 and the background area 120 more obvious.

[0100] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] [Example 5]

[0102] Figure 19 This is a waveform diagram of the driving signal of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the first narrow viewing angle in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in Embodiment 5 of the present invention at high contrast. Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the display panel and display device, driving method provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention are similar to those in Embodiment 1. Figures 6 to 10 Example 2 Figure 11 and Figure 12 Example 3 Figure 13 and Figure 14 Example 4 Figures 15 to 18 The display panel, display device, and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0103] The second substrate 12 has a second electrochromic grating layer 16 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The second electrochromic grating layer 16 includes a second electrode strip 161 and a second electrochromic grating 162 located between the second electrode strip 161 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. The projections of the first electrochromic grating 152 and the second electrochromic grating 162 on the second substrate 12 are parallel to each other and staggered. Each second electrochromic grating 162 corresponds to a second electrode strip 161. The second electrode strip 161 cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode 121 and is used together to control the second electrochromic grating 162 to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state.

[0104] This application also provides a driving method for a display panel, used to drive the display panel as described above. The driving method includes:

[0105] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in wide-viewing-angle mode, corresponding wide-viewing-angle signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrochromic grating layer 15, and the second electrochromic grating layer 16, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a transparent state. The first liquid crystal layer 13 and the refractive layer 14 jointly scatter light. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, and a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151 and the second electrode strips 161. The first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3 are the same and are all common voltage signals (Vcom). At this time, since there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151, and between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second electrode strip 161, both the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 are in a transparent state; and there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules basically do not deflect and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, thereby achieving wide viewing angle display.

[0106] like Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, in the first narrow viewing angle mode, corresponding narrow viewing angle signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrochromic grating layer 15, and the second electrochromic grating layer 16, so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14, and the first electrochromic grating layer 15 is in a non-transparent state, while the second electrochromic grating layer 16 is in a transparent state. For example, a first voltage V1 is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, a second voltage V2 is applied to all the viewing angle control electrodes 121, a third voltage V3 is applied to all the first electrode strips 151, and a fourth voltage V4 is applied to all the second electrode strips 161. The first voltage V1 and the third voltage V3 are the same and are both common voltage signals (Vcom), and the second voltage V2 and the fourth voltage V4 are the same and are both AC voltages (e.g., ±12V) fluctuating around the common voltage signal (Vcom). At this time, since there is also a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, making the positive liquid crystal molecules perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is directly incident when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change. However, there is a large voltage difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151, and there is no voltage difference between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second electrode strip 161. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 becomes opaque. The opaque first electrochromic grating layer 15 has the function of absorbing light, thereby realizing a narrow viewing angle display. The second electrochromic grating layer 16 is in a transparent state and has no effect on the privacy protection effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrochromic grating layer 15 can be controlled to be transparent and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 can be controlled to be opaque.

[0107] like Figure 21As shown, in high-contrast mode, both the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 are in a non-transparent state. In high-contrast mode, there is no pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the positive liquid crystal molecules are basically not deflected and maintain their initial flat posture. The refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne and is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Light will be scattered when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13. However, there is a large pressure difference (e.g., 12V) between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the first electrode strip 151 and between the viewing angle control electrode 121 and the second electrode strip 161. The first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 become non-transparent, and light has difficulty passing through the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16 and is absorbed by the first electrochromic grating layer 15 and the second electrochromic grating layer 16, thereby making the black state darker and achieving higher contrast. Of course, in high contrast mode, there can also be a pressure difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. The positive liquid crystal molecules will be deflected under the action of the vertical electric field, so that the positive liquid crystal molecules are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The positive liquid crystal molecules change from a lying posture to a standing posture. At this time, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is no and equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer 14. Therefore, the light is direct when passing through the refractive layer 14 and the first liquid crystal layer 13, and the angle of the light will not change.

[0108] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Embodiment 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] Figure 22 and Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 22 and Figure 23 The display device is equipped with a viewing angle switching button 50, which allows the user to request a viewing angle switch from the display device. The viewing angle switching button 50 can be a physical button (such as...). Figure 21 As shown), it can also be used for software control or application programs (APP) to implement switching functions (such as... Figure 22As shown, for example, the wide and narrow viewing angles can be set via a slider. When a user needs to switch between a wide and narrow viewing angle, they can send a viewing angle switching request to the display device by operating the viewing angle switching button 50. Ultimately, the driver chip 60 controls the electrical signals applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrochromic grating layer 15, and / or the second electrochromic grating layer 16. The display device can then switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. When switching to a wide viewing angle, the driving method is the driving method corresponding to the wide-angle mode; when switching to a narrow viewing angle, the driving method is the driving method corresponding to the narrow-angle mode. Therefore, the display device of this embodiment has strong operational flexibility and convenience, achieving a multi-functional display device that integrates entertainment video and privacy protection.

[0110] In this document, the directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are defined according to the position of the structures in the accompanying drawings and the relative positions of the structures, and are only used for clarity and convenience in expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application. It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are only used for distinction in name and are not used to limit the number or order.

[0111] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, It includes a dimming box (10) and a display liquid crystal box (20) stacked on top of each other. The dimming box (10) is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles, and the display liquid crystal box (20) is used to control the grayscale display of the image. The dimming box (10) includes a first substrate (11), a second substrate (12) disposed opposite to the first substrate (11), and a first liquid crystal layer (13) disposed between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (12). The first substrate (11) and / or the second substrate (12) are provided with a refractive layer (14) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The refractive layer (14) has a plurality of protrusion structures. The first substrate (11) is provided with a viewing angle auxiliary electrode (111) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The second substrate (12) is provided with a viewing angle control electrode (121) and a first electrochromic grating layer (15) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The first electrochromic grating layer (15) includes a first electrode strip (151) and a first electrochromic grating (152) located between the first electrode strip (151) and the viewing angle control electrode (121). Each first electrochromic grating (152) corresponds one-to-one with the first electrode strip (151). The first electrode strip (151) cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode (121) and is used together to control the first electrochromic grating (152) to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. The second substrate (12) has a second electrochromic grating layer (16) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The second electrochromic grating layer (16) includes a second electrode strip (161) and a second electrochromic grating (162) located between the second electrode strip (161) and the viewing angle control electrode (121). The projections of the first electrochromic grating (152) and the second electrochromic grating (162) on the second substrate (12) are parallel to each other and staggered. Each second electrochromic grating (162) corresponds to a second electrode strip (161). The second electrode strip (161) cooperates with the viewing angle control electrode (121) and is used together to control the second electrochromic grating (162) to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. In the wide viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14) and together with the refractive layer (14) scatters light. Both the first electrochromic grating layer (15) and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) are in a transparent state. In the first narrow viewing angle mode, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14). The first electrochromic grating layer (15) is in a non-transparent state, and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) is in a transparent state. In the high contrast mode, both the first electrochromic grating layer (15) and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) are in a non-transparent state.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimming box (10) is located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell (20) closer to the external environment. A first polarizer (31) is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell (20) away from the dimming box (10). A second polarizer (32) is provided between the dimming box (10) and the display liquid crystal cell (20). The second polarizer (32) is a reflective polarizer. The light transmission axis of the first polarizer (31) is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the second polarizer (32). The display panel has a pattern area (110) and a background area (120). The viewing angle control electrode (121) includes a first viewing angle control electrode (121a) corresponding to the pattern area (110) and a second viewing angle control electrode (121b) corresponding to the background area (120). The first viewing angle control electrode (121a) and the second viewing angle control electrode (121b) are insulated from each other and spaced apart. In the always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer (15) corresponding to the pattern area (110) is transparent, and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) corresponding to the background area (120) is opaque.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refractive index of the refractive layer (14) is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) when they are in an upright position; in the wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a lying position; in the first narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in an upright position. Alternatively, the refractive index of the refractive layer (14) is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) when they are in a lying position; in the wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a standing position; in the first narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a lying position.

4. A driving method for a display panel, characterized in that, The driving method for driving the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-3 includes: In wide-viewing-angle mode, a corresponding wide-viewing-angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode (111), the viewing angle control electrode (121), and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14), and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer (13) and the refractive layer (14) together scatter light; In the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode (111), the viewing angle control electrode (121), and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14), and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) is in a non-transparent state.

5. The driving method for a display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimming box (10) is located on the side of the display liquid crystal cell (20) closer to the external environment. A first polarizer (31) is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell (20) away from the dimming box (10). A second polarizer (32) is provided between the dimming box (10) and the display liquid crystal cell (20). The second polarizer (32) is a reflective polarizer. The light transmission axis of the first polarizer (31) is perpendicular to the light transmission axis of the second polarizer (32). The display panel has a pattern area (110) and a background area (120). The viewing angle control electrode (121) includes a first viewing angle control electrode (121a) corresponding to the pattern area (110) and a second viewing angle control electrode (121b) corresponding to the background area (120). The first viewing angle control electrode (121a) and the second viewing angle control electrode (121b) are insulated from each other and spaced apart. The driving method includes: In the always-on display mode, the first electrochromic grating layer (15) corresponding to the pattern area (110) is controlled to be transparent, and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) corresponding to the background area (120) is controlled to be non-transparent.

6. The driving method for a display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second substrate (12) has a second electrochromic grating layer (16) on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). The projections of the first electrochromic grating layer (15) and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) on the second substrate (12) are parallel to each other and staggered. The driving method includes: In wide-viewing-angle mode, a corresponding wide-viewing-angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode (111), the viewing angle control electrode (121), the first electrochromic grating layer (15), and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is not equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14), and both the first electrochromic grating layer (15) and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) are in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer (13) and the refractive layer (14) scatter light together; In the first narrow viewing angle mode, a corresponding narrow viewing angle signal is applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode (111), the viewing angle control electrode (121), the first electrochromic grating layer (15), and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) so that the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is equal to the refractive index of the refractive layer (14), and the first electrochromic grating layer (15) is in a non-transparent state, while the second electrochromic grating layer (16) is in a transparent state. In high contrast mode, both the first electrochromic grating layer (15) and the second electrochromic grating layer (16) are controlled to be in a non-transparent state.

7. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-3.

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