Display module, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display module, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display module comprises: an array substrate and a light-emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate; a light filter layer located on a side of the light-emitting unit away from the array substrate, a normal projection of the light filter layer on the array substrate covering a normal projection of the light-emitting unit on the array substrate; a light-blocking layer, in a direction parallel to a surface of the array substrate, the light-blocking layer being arranged around the light filter layer; the light-blocking layer comprising a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer arranged in a stack, the liquid crystal layer being arranged close to the array substrate, and the metal layer being arranged away from the array substrate; a first electrode layer located on a side of the light-blocking layer close to the array substrate; and a second electrode layer located on a side of the light-blocking layer away from the array substrate. The display module of the present application can realize diffuse reflection of ambient light by using a non-planarized metal layer and the characteristic that the liquid crystal layer is not arranged in order when not powered, thereby improving front light efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of display, in particular to a display module, a preparation method thereof and a display device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The light emitted by the light emitting unit of the conventional OLED display module is output after passing through the encapsulation layer and the polarizing plate, and the output light has a specific directionality, resulting in a low utilization rate of the emitted light. In order to obtain a higher light utilization rate, in the related art, COE (Color Filter On Encapsulation) is usually used instead of the polarizing plate to improve the light transmittance of the light emitting unit, so that the brightness of the OLED device can be correspondingly reduced under the condition of ensuring the display effect of the screen body, thereby reducing the power consumption of the OLED device and prolonging the service life thereof.

[0003] However, the front light efficiency of the organic electroluminescence diode display module based on the COE technology is low, which is not conducive to wide application. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a display module, a preparation method thereof and a display device for solving the problem of how to improve the front light efficiency.

[0005] A display module, comprising:

[0006] an array substrate and a light emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate;

[0007] a light filtering layer located on a side of the light emitting unit away from the array substrate, wherein a normal projection of the light filtering layer on the array substrate covers a normal projection of the light emitting unit on the array substrate;

[0008] a light blocking layer, which is arranged around the light filtering layer in a direction parallel to a surface of the array substrate, wherein the light blocking layer comprises a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer arranged in a stack, and the liquid crystal layer is located on a side of the metal layer close to the array substrate;

[0009] a first electrode layer located on a side of the light blocking layer close to the array substrate; and

[0010] a second electrode layer located on a side of the light blocking layer away from the array substrate.

[0011] The display module of the technical scheme can realize the diffuse reflection of ambient light by using the non-planar metal layer and the unordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer without power supply, and improve the front light efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, an electric field is formed, and the voltage difference between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is controlled to change the size of the electric field, so as to change the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer is orderly arranged by power supply, and the light emitted by the light emitting unit can reach the surface of the metal layer, thereby strengthening the internal reflection of the device and improving the internal light efficiency.

[0012] In an implementation, the display module further comprises a separation layer between the light filtering layer and the light blocking layer, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are arranged on both sides of the separation layer along the thickness direction of the array substrate, and the separation layer is made of electro-optic material.

[0013] Preferably, the electro-optic material is transparent electro-optic material or semi-transparent electro-optic material.

[0014] Preferably, the transparent electro-optic material at least contains silicon.

[0015] Preferably, the semi-transparent electro-optic material is lithium niobate.

[0016] In an implementation, the separation layer has different visible light refractive indexes in the power-on state and the power-off state, and the visible light refractive index of the separation layer in the power-on state is greater than the visible light refractive index of the separation layer in the power-off state.

[0017] In an implementation, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are transparent electrodes.

[0018] Preferably, the material of the transparent electrode is indium tin oxide.

[0019] In an implementation, the metal layer has a rough surface for diffuse reflection of light.

[0020] In an implementation, neither side of the light filtering layer along the thickness direction of the array substrate is provided with the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; or,

[0021] In an implementation, both sides of the light filtering layer along the thickness direction of the array substrate are provided with the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0022] In an implementation, the display module further comprises an encapsulation layer on the side of the light emitting unit away from the array substrate.

[0023] A preparation method of a display module comprises the following steps:

[0024] An array substrate and a light-emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate are provided.

[0025] A first electrode layer is formed on the array substrate.

[0026] A light-filtering layer and a light-blocking layer are formed on the first electrode layer, or a light-blocking layer is formed on the first electrode layer and a light-filtering layer is formed on the array substrate; a normal projection of the light-filtering layer on the array substrate covers a normal projection of the light-emitting unit on the array substrate, and the light-blocking layer is arranged around the light-filtering layer; the light-blocking layer comprises a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer arranged in a stack, and the liquid crystal layer is located on a side of the metal layer close to the array substrate; and

[0027] A second electrode layer is formed on the light-blocking layer, or a second electrode layer is formed on the light-blocking layer and the light-filtering layer.

[0028] The preparation method of the display module of the technical solution is simple, and the display module prepared by the method can realize diffuse reflection of ambient light by using a non-planarized metal layer and the characteristic that the liquid crystal layer is not orderly arranged when powered on, thereby improving the front light efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, an electric field is formed, the voltage difference between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is controlled to change the size of the electric field, and the purpose of changing the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer is achieved. The liquid crystal layer is orderly arranged when powered on, and the light emitted by the light-emitting unit can reach the surface of the metal layer, thereby strengthening the internal reflection of the device and improving the internal light efficiency.

[0029] In a feasible implementation manner, the preparation method of the display module further comprises the following steps:

[0030] After the first electrode layer is formed on the array substrate, a separation layer is formed on the first electrode layer; and

[0031] A second electrode layer is formed on the separation layer; the separation layer is located between the light-filtering layer and the light-blocking layer, and the separation layer is made of electro-optic material.

[0032] A display device comprises the display module of any one of the above.

[0033] The display device of this invention utilizes the characteristics of a non-planarized metal layer and a disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer without electrical current to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first and second electrode layers, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first and second electrode layers, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby altering the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layers. When the liquid crystal layers are electrically conductive and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting units can reach the surface of the metal layer, thus enhancing internal reflection and improving internal light extraction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display module according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of the filter layer and the light blocking layer in the display module according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display module according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram of the filter layer and the light blocking layer in the display module according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display module according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a planar schematic diagram of the filter layer and the light blocking layer in the display module according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a planar schematic diagram of the filter layer and the light blocking layer in the display module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for preparing a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the formation of a separator layer in a method for manufacturing a display module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the method for preparing the display module according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the method for preparing the display module according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the method for preparing the display module according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the preparation method of the display module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display module 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an array substrate 111, a light-emitting unit 112, a light filter layer 120, a light blocking layer 130, a first electrode layer 140, and a second electrode layer 150.

[0052] The light-emitting unit 112 is located on one side of the array substrate 111. The array substrate 111 may include a pixel circuit composed of multiple thin-film transistors arranged in an array. Each pixel circuit corresponds to a sub-pixel, and the thin-film transistors can serve as sub-pixel control switches for the display module 100. Each sub-pixel includes at least the light-emitting unit 112, which may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes can be a cathode, and the other can be an anode. The polarity of the first and second electrodes is specifically set according to requirements and is not limited here. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the cathode and the anode. Electrons injected from the cathode and holes injected from the anode combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to form excitons. When the excitons release energy, they emit light, realizing the display function of the light-emitting unit 112.

[0053] In some embodiments, the light-emitting unit 112 includes an OLED light-emitting unit, which has advantages such as low cost, wide viewing angle, low driving voltage, fast response speed, rich emission colors, simple fabrication process, and the ability to realize large-area flexible displays. In other embodiments, the light-emitting unit 112 may also include a Micro-LED light-emitting unit, which has advantages such as high brightness, high resolution, high contrast, low energy consumption, long lifespan, fast response speed, and high thermal stability.

[0054] In this design, the filter layer 120 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 112 away from the array substrate 111. The orthographic projection of the filter layer 120 onto the array substrate 111 overlaps the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 112 onto the array substrate 111. The filter layer 120 can be a color filter. A color filter is an optical filter that represents color; it can precisely select a small range of wavelengths of light that are desired to pass through, while reflecting other unwanted wavelengths. By utilizing the high transmittance of the filter layer 120, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 112 is more efficiently utilized when its orthographic projection overlaps the light-emitting unit 112's projection on the array substrate 111. This achieves the effect of improved transmittance in COE technology, thus meeting the high transmittance requirements of the light-emitting unit 112.

[0055] The light-blocking layer 130 is disposed around the light-filtering layer 120 in a direction parallel to the surface of the array substrate 111. The light-blocking layer 130 includes a stacked liquid crystal layer 131 and a metal layer 132, with the liquid crystal layer 131 located on the side of the metal layer 132 closer to the array substrate 111. When the light-emitting unit 112 displays an image, the liquid crystal layer 131 is configured to allow light passing through the light-emitting unit 112 to pass through; when the light-emitting unit 112 is not displaying an image, the liquid crystal layer 131 is configured to block external light from entering the light-emitting unit 112 and is dark gray or black. Because the surface of the liquid crystal layer 131 is uneven, the metal layer 132 has a non-planar surface, causing diffuse reflection of ambient light, which replaces the black light-blocking film, such as a black matrix, thereby preventing light transmission.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 140 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 130 closer to the array substrate 111, and the second electrode layer 150 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 130 farther from the array substrate 111. Specifically, in the display module 100 of this embodiment, the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 150 are not disposed on either side of the light filter layer 120 along the thickness direction of the array substrate 111. This avoids the light filter layer 120 blocking light and helps to improve transmittance.

[0057] The display module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can utilize the characteristics of the non-planarized metal layer 132 and the disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer 131 when they are not energized to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 150, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 150, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby changing the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer 131. When the liquid crystal layer 131 is energized and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 112 can reach the surface of the metal layer 132, thereby enhancing internal reflection of the device and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0058] Based on the aforementioned embodiment, the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 150 are transparent electrodes. Preferably, the material of the transparent electrodes is indium tin oxide. In this case, the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 150 have high transmittance, which can avoid blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 112 and the light incident into the display module 100 from the external environment.

[0059] Based on the aforementioned embodiment, the metal layer 132 has a rough surface for diffuse light reflection. This is beneficial for further enhancing internal reflection of the device and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0060] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the display module 100 further includes an encapsulation layer 160, which is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 112 away from the array substrate 111. The encapsulation layer 160 covers the light-emitting unit 112 on the array substrate 111 to protect the light-emitting unit 112. In this embodiment, the light filter layer 120 and the first electrode layer 140 are disposed on the encapsulation layer 160 to improve the transmittance of the emitted light from the light-emitting unit 112.

[0061] It should be noted that in the display module 100 of the first embodiment described above, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are only disposed in the display module of the present invention, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer can also be disposed as a whole layer.

[0062] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display module 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention includes an array substrate 211, a light-emitting unit 212, a light filter layer 220, a light blocking layer 230, a first electrode layer 240, a second electrode layer 250, and an encapsulation layer 260.

[0063] The light-emitting unit 212 is located on one side of the array substrate 211. The array substrate 211 may include a pixel circuit composed of multiple thin-film transistors arranged in an array. Each pixel circuit corresponds to a sub-pixel, and the thin-film transistors can serve as sub-pixel control switches for the display module 200. Each sub-pixel includes at least the light-emitting unit 212, which may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes can be a cathode, and the other can be an anode. The polarity of the first and second electrodes is set according to requirements and is not limited here. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the cathode and the anode. Electrons injected from the cathode and holes injected from the anode combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to form excitons. When the excitons release energy, they emit light, realizing the display function of the light-emitting unit 212.

[0064] In this design, the filter layer 220 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 212 away from the array substrate 211. The orthographic projection of the filter layer 220 onto the array substrate 211 overlaps the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 212 onto the array substrate 211. The filter layer 220 can be a color filter. A color filter is an optical filter that represents color; it can precisely select a small range of wavelengths of light that are desired to pass through, while reflecting other unwanted wavelengths. By utilizing the high transmittance of the filter layer 220, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 212 is utilized more efficiently when its orthographic projection overlaps the light-emitting unit 212's orthographic projection on the array substrate 211. This achieves the effect of improved transmittance in COE technology, thus meeting the high transmittance requirements of the light-emitting unit 212.

[0065] The light-blocking layer 230 is disposed around the light-filtering layer 220 in a direction parallel to the surface of the array substrate 211. The light-blocking layer 230 includes a stacked liquid crystal layer 231 and a metal layer 232, with the liquid crystal layer 231 located near the array substrate 211 on the metal layer 232. When the light-emitting unit 212 displays an image, the liquid crystal layer 231 is configured to allow light passing through the light-emitting unit 212 to pass through; when the light-emitting unit 212 is not displaying an image, the liquid crystal layer 231 is configured to block external light from entering the light-emitting unit 212 and is dark gray or black. Because the surface of the liquid crystal layer 231 is uneven, the metal layer 232 has a non-planar surface, causing diffuse reflection of ambient light, which replaces the black light-blocking film, such as a black matrix, thereby preventing light transmission.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 240 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 230 closer to the array substrate 111, and the second electrode layer 250 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 230 away from the array substrate 211. Specifically, in the display module 200 of this embodiment, the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250 are respectively disposed on both sides of the light filter layer 220 along the thickness direction of the array substrate 211. This allows the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250 to be formed as a single layer, which is beneficial for improving fabrication efficiency. Furthermore, it should be noted that the first electrode layer 240 can also be disposed only on the side of the light filter layer 220 closer to the array substrate 211, or the second electrode layer 250 can be disposed only on the side of the light filter layer 220 away from the array substrate 211.

[0067] The encapsulation layer 260 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 212 away from the array substrate 211. The encapsulation layer 260 covers the light-emitting unit 212 on the array substrate 211 to protect the light-emitting unit 212. In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 240 is disposed entirely on the encapsulation layer 260 to improve the transmittance of the emitted light from the light-emitting unit 212.

[0068] Furthermore, the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250 are transparent electrodes. Preferably, the material of the transparent electrodes is indium tin oxide. In this case, the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250 have high transmittance, which can avoid blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 212 and the light incident into the display module 200 from the external environment.

[0069] The display module 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can utilize the characteristics of the non-planarized metal layer 232 and the disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer 231 when they are not energized to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first electrode layer 240 and the second electrode layer 250, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby changing the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer 231. When the liquid crystal layer 231 is energized and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 212 can reach the surface of the metal layer 232, thereby enhancing internal reflection of the device and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0070] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The display module 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention includes an array substrate 311, a light-emitting unit 312, a light filter layer 320, a light blocking layer 330, a first electrode layer 340, a second electrode layer 350, and an encapsulation layer 360.

[0071] The light-emitting unit 312 is located on one side of the array substrate 311. The array substrate 311 may include a pixel circuit composed of multiple thin-film transistors arranged in an array. Each pixel circuit corresponds to a sub-pixel, and the thin-film transistors can serve as sub-pixel control switches for the display module 300. Each sub-pixel includes at least the light-emitting unit 312, which may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes can be a cathode, and the other can be an anode. The polarity of the first and second electrodes is specifically set according to requirements and is not limited here. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the cathode and the anode. Electrons injected from the cathode and holes injected from the anode combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to form excitons. When the excitons release energy, they emit light, realizing the display function of the light-emitting unit 312.

[0072] In this design, the filter layer 320 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 312 away from the array substrate 311. The orthographic projection of the filter layer 320 onto the array substrate 311 overlaps the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 312 onto the array substrate 311. The filter layer 320 can be a color filter. A color filter is an optical filter that precisely selects a small range of wavelengths of light to pass through while reflecting other unwanted wavelengths. The high transmittance of the filter layer 320 allows for higher light utilization of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 312, achieving the improved transmittance effect of COE technology and meeting the high transmittance requirements of the light-emitting unit 312.

[0073] The light-blocking layer 330 is disposed around the light-filtering layer 320 in a direction parallel to the surface of the array substrate 311. The light-blocking layer 330 includes a stacked liquid crystal layer 331 and a metal layer 332, with the liquid crystal layer 331 located on the side of the metal layer 332 closer to the array substrate 311. When the light-emitting unit 312 displays an image, the liquid crystal layer 331 is configured to allow light passing through the light-emitting unit 312 to pass through; when the light-emitting unit 312 is not displaying an image, the liquid crystal layer 331 is configured to block external light from entering the light-emitting unit 312 and is dark gray or black. Because the surface of the liquid crystal layer 331 is uneven, the metal layer 332 has a non-planar surface, causing diffuse reflection of ambient light, which replaces the black light-blocking film, such as a black matrix, thereby preventing light transmission.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 340 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 330 closer to the array substrate 311, and the second electrode layer 350 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 130 away from the array substrate 311. Specifically, in the display module 300 of this embodiment, the first electrode layer 340 and the second electrode layer 350 are not disposed on either side of the light filter layer 320 along the thickness direction of the array substrate 311. This avoids the light filter layer 320 blocking light and helps to improve transmittance.

[0075] The encapsulation layer 360 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 312 away from the array substrate 311. The encapsulation layer 360 covers the light-emitting unit 312 on the array substrate 311 to protect the light-emitting unit 312. In this embodiment, the filter layer 320 and the first electrode layer 340 are disposed on the encapsulation layer 360 to improve the transmittance of the emitted light from the light-emitting unit 312.

[0076] Furthermore, the display module 300 of this embodiment also includes a separation layer 370, which is located between the light filter layer 320 and the light blocking layer 330. Along the thickness direction of the array substrate 311, a first electrode layer 340 and a second electrode layer 350 are respectively disposed on both sides of the separation layer 370, and the separation layer 370 is made of an electro-optic material. During normal display, the refractive index of the electro-optic material is increased, and the light emission angle is narrowed, thereby achieving a light-focusing effect.

[0077] Furthermore, the electro-optic material can be a transparent electro-optic material or a semi-transparent electro-optic material. The separator layer 370 can be a transparent electro-optic material, ensuring the array substrate 311 has the highest possible light transmittance despite limited space for a transparent region on the array substrate 311. Alternatively, the separator layer 370 can be a semi-transparent electro-optic material, giving it semi-transparent properties that facilitate light absorption by the black matrix when no electric field is applied. No specific limitation is made. Furthermore, the transparent electro-optic material contains at least silicon, such as silicon-based materials; the semi-transparent electro-optic material can be lithium niobate, etc.

[0078] Based on the aforementioned embodiment, the separator 370 has different visible light refractive indices in the energized and non-energized states, with the visible light refractive index of the separator 370 in the energized state being greater than that in the non-energized state. This results in a larger refractive index in the energized state, narrowing the light emission angle and thus achieving a light-focusing effect.

[0079] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, the first electrode layer 340 and the second electrode layer 350 are transparent electrodes. Preferably, the material of the transparent electrodes is indium tin oxide. In this case, the first electrode layer 340 and the second electrode layer 350 have high transmittance, which can avoid blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 312 and the light incident into the display module 300 from the external environment.

[0080] The display module 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can utilize the characteristics of the non-planarized metal layer 332 and the disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer 331 when they are not energized to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer 340 and the second electrode layer 350, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first electrode layer 340 and the second electrode layer 350, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer 331 and adjusting the refractive index change of the separator layer 370. When the liquid crystal layer 331 is energized and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 312 can reach the surface of the metal layer 332, thereby enhancing internal reflection of the device and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0081] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8The display module 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an array substrate 411, a light-emitting unit 412, a filter layer 420, a light-blocking layer 430, a first electrode layer 440, a second electrode layer 450, an encapsulation layer 460, and a separation layer 470.

[0082] The light-emitting unit 412 is located on one side of the array substrate 411. The array substrate 411 may include a pixel circuit composed of multiple thin-film transistors arranged in an array. Each pixel circuit corresponds to a sub-pixel, and the thin-film transistors can serve as sub-pixel control switches for the display module 400. Each sub-pixel includes at least the light-emitting unit 412, which may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the first and second electrodes. One of the first and second electrodes can be a cathode, and the other can be an anode. The polarity of the first and second electrodes is specifically set according to requirements and is not limited here. The organic light-emitting layer is located between the cathode and the anode. Electrons injected from the cathode and holes injected from the anode combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer to form excitons. When the excitons release energy, they emit light, realizing the display function of the light-emitting unit 412.

[0083] In this design, the filter layer 420 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 412 away from the array substrate 411. The orthographic projection of the filter layer 420 onto the array substrate 411 overlaps the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 412 onto the array substrate 411. The filter layer 420 can be a color filter. A color filter is an optical filter that represents color; it can precisely select a small range of wavelengths of light that are desired to pass through, while reflecting other unwanted wavelengths. By utilizing the high transmittance of the filter layer 420, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 412 is utilized more efficiently when its orthographic projection overlaps, achieving the effect of improved transmittance in COE technology and meeting the high transmittance requirements of the light-emitting unit 412.

[0084] The light-blocking layer 430 is disposed around the light-filtering layer 420 in a direction parallel to the surface of the array substrate 411. The light-blocking layer 430 includes a stacked liquid crystal layer 431 and a metal layer 432, with the liquid crystal layer 431 located on the side of the metal layer 432 closer to the array substrate 411. When the light-emitting unit 412 displays an image, the liquid crystal layer 431 is configured to allow light passing through the light-emitting unit 412 to pass through; when the light-emitting unit 412 is not displaying an image, the liquid crystal layer 431 is configured to block external light from entering the light-emitting unit 412 and is dark gray or black. Because the surface of the liquid crystal layer 431 is uneven, the metal layer 432 has a non-planar surface, causing diffuse reflection of ambient light, which replaces the black light-blocking film, such as a black matrix, thereby preventing light transmission.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 440 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 430 closer to the array substrate 411, and the second electrode layer 450 is located on the side of the light-blocking layer 430 away from the array substrate 411. Specifically, in the display module 400 of this embodiment, the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450 are respectively disposed on both sides of the light filter layer 420 along the thickness direction of the array substrate 411. This allows the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450 to be formed as a single layer, which is beneficial for improving fabrication efficiency.

[0086] The encapsulation layer 460 is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 412 away from the array substrate 411. The encapsulation layer 460 covers the light-emitting unit 412 on the array substrate 411 to protect the light-emitting unit 412. In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 440 is disposed entirely on the encapsulation layer 460 to improve the transmittance of the emitted light from the light-emitting unit 412.

[0087] The separator layer 470 is located between the filter layer 420 and the light-blocking layer 430. Along the thickness direction of the array substrate 411, a first electrode layer 440 and a second electrode layer 450 are respectively disposed on both sides of the separator layer 470. The separator layer 470 is made of electro-optic material. During normal display, the refractive index of the electro-optic material is increased, and the light emission angle is narrowed, thereby playing a light-focusing role.

[0088] Furthermore, the electro-optic material can be a transparent electro-optic material or a semi-transparent electro-optic material. The separator layer 470 can be a transparent electro-optic material, ensuring the array substrate 411 has the highest possible light transmittance despite limited space for a transparent region on the array substrate 411. Alternatively, the separator layer 470 can be a semi-transparent electro-optic material, giving it semi-transparent properties that facilitate light absorption by the black matrix when no electric field is applied. No specific limitation is made. Furthermore, the transparent electro-optic material contains at least silicon, such as silicon-based materials; the semi-transparent electro-optic material can be lithium niobate, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the thickness of the light filter layer 420 is less than or equal to the thickness of the separator layer 470, and the thickness of the light blocking layer 430 is less than or equal to the thickness of the separator layer 470. In this way, the separator layer 470 can clearly distinguish the light filter layer 420 from the light blocking layer 430.

[0090] Furthermore, the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450 are transparent electrodes. Preferably, the material of the transparent electrodes is indium tin oxide. In this case, the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450 have high transmittance, which can avoid blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 412 and the light incident into the display module 400 from the external environment.

[0091] The display module 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can utilize the characteristics of the non-planarized metal layer 432 and the disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer 431 when they are not energized to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first electrode layer 440 and the second electrode layer 450, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layer 431 and adjusting the refractive index change of the separator layer 470. When the liquid crystal layer 431 is energized and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 412 can reach the surface of the metal layer 432, thereby enhancing internal reflection of the device and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0092] Please see Figure 9 The preparation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0093] S10, providing an array substrate and a light-emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate.

[0094] The array substrate and the light-emitting unit can be any array substrate and light-emitting unit in the art.

[0095] S20. Form a first electrode layer on the array substrate.

[0096] The first electrode layer can be formed on the array substrate using methods commonly used in the art.

[0097] The process may include forming an encapsulation layer on the array substrate before forming the first electrode layer.

[0098] S30. A filter layer and a light-blocking layer are formed on the first electrode layer, or a light-blocking layer is formed on the first electrode layer and a filter layer is formed on the array substrate; wherein the orthogonal projection of the filter layer on the array substrate covers the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting unit on the array substrate, and the light-blocking layer is disposed around the filter layer; the light-blocking layer includes a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer stacked together, and the liquid crystal layer is located on the side of the metal layer closer to the array substrate.

[0099] In the operation of forming a filter layer and a light blocking layer on the first electrode layer, the order in which the filter layer and the light blocking layer are formed is not limited. The filter layer can be formed first and then the light blocking layer can be formed, or the light blocking layer can be formed first and then the filter layer can be formed.

[0100] The method for preparing the light-blocking layer is as follows: a liquid crystal layer is formed on the first electrode layer, and then a metal layer is formed on the liquid crystal layer.

[0101] S40. Form a second electrode layer on the light blocking layer, or form a second electrode layer on the light blocking layer and the filter layer.

[0102] Based on the aforementioned implementation methods, please refer to Figure 10 The manufacturing method of the display module also includes the following steps:

[0103] S50. After forming a first electrode layer on the array substrate, a separation layer is formed on the first electrode layer.

[0104] S60. A second electrode layer is formed on the separator layer; wherein the separator layer is located between the filter layer and the light blocking layer, and the separator layer is made of an electro-optic material.

[0105] The display module prepared by this method includes a separator layer located between the filter layer and the light blocking layer. Along the thickness direction of the array substrate, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer are respectively disposed on both sides of the separator layer.

[0106] For details, please see Figure 11 The method for preparing the display module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0107] S11, Provide an array substrate 111 and a light-emitting unit 112 located on one side of the array substrate 111.

[0108] S12. An encapsulation layer 160 is formed on the array substrate 111.

[0109] S13. A first electrode layer 140 is formed on the encapsulation layer 160.

[0110] S14. A filter layer 120 is formed on the array substrate 111, and a light blocking layer 130 is formed on the first electrode layer 140; wherein, the orthogonal projection of the filter layer 120 on the array substrate 111 covers the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting unit 112 on the array substrate 111, and the light blocking layer 130 is disposed around the filter layer 120; the light blocking layer 130 includes a liquid crystal layer 131 and a metal layer 132 stacked together, and the liquid crystal layer 131 is located on the side of the metal layer 132 close to the array substrate 111.

[0111] In step S14, a filter layer 120 can be obtained by photolithography first, and then liquid crystal material can be dropped and filled in the area of ​​the light blocking layer 130 to obtain a liquid crystal layer 131. Then, a metal layer 132 can be prepared by magnetron sputtering using a mask.

[0112] S15. A second electrode layer 150 is formed on the light blocking layer 130.

[0113] The display module 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention was prepared by the above preparation method, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0114] Please see Figure 12 The method for preparing the display module 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0115] S21, Provide an array substrate 211 and a light-emitting unit 212 located on one side of the array substrate 211.

[0116] S22. An encapsulation layer 260 is formed on the array substrate 211.

[0117] S23. A first electrode layer 240 is formed on the encapsulation layer 260.

[0118] S24. A filter layer 220 and a light blocking layer 230 are formed on the first electrode layer 240, wherein the orthogonal projection of the filter layer 220 on the array substrate 211 covers the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting unit 212 on the array substrate 211, and the light blocking layer 230 is disposed around the filter layer 220; the light blocking layer 230 includes a liquid crystal layer 231 and a metal layer 232 stacked together, and the liquid crystal layer 231 is located on the side of the metal layer 232 close to the array substrate 211.

[0119] In step S24, a filter layer 220 can be obtained by photolithography first, and then liquid crystal material can be dropped and filled in the area of ​​the light blocking layer 230 to obtain a liquid crystal layer 231. Then, a metal layer 232 can be prepared by magnetron sputtering using a mask.

[0120] S25. A second electrode layer 250 is formed on the filter layer 220 and the light blocking layer 230.

[0121] The display module 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention was prepared using the above preparation method, as shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0122] Please see Figure 13 The method for preparing the display module 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0123] S31, an array substrate 311 and a light-emitting unit 312 located on one side of the array substrate 311 are provided.

[0124] S32. An encapsulation layer 360 is formed on the array substrate 311.

[0125] S33. A first electrode layer 340 is formed on the encapsulation layer 360.

[0126] S34. A filter layer 320 is formed on the array substrate 311, and a light blocking layer 330 and a separating layer 370 are formed on the first electrode layer 340. The orthogonal projection of the filter layer 320 on the array substrate 311 covers the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting unit 312 on the array substrate 311. The light blocking layer 330 is disposed around the filter layer 320. The light blocking layer 330 includes a liquid crystal layer 331 and a metal layer 332 stacked together. The liquid crystal layer 331 is located on the side of the metal layer 332 closer to the array substrate 311. The separating layer 370 is located between the filter layer 320 and the light blocking layer 330. The separating layer 370 is made of an electro-optic material.

[0127] In step S34, a separator layer 370 can be formed on the first electrode layer 340 first, while the order of fabrication of the filter layer 320 and the light-blocking layer 330 is not limited. For example, liquid crystal material can be drop-filled into the light-blocking layer 330 area to obtain a liquid crystal layer 331; then, a metal layer 332 can be fabricated by magnetron sputtering using a mask; and finally, the filter layer 320 can be formed by inkjet printing in the filter layer 320 area. Alternatively, the filter layer 320 can be formed by inkjet printing first, followed by drop-filling liquid crystal material into the light-blocking layer 330 area to obtain a liquid crystal layer 331; then, the metal layer 332 can be fabricated by magnetron sputtering. In this case, a mask may or may not be used.

[0128] S35. A second electrode layer 350 is formed on the light blocking layer 330 and the separating layer 370.

[0129] The display module 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention was prepared using the above preparation method, as shown below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown.

[0130] Please see Figure 14 The method for preparing the display module 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0131] S41, Provide an array substrate 411 and a light-emitting unit 412 located on one side of the array substrate 411.

[0132] S42. An encapsulation layer 460 is formed on the array substrate 411.

[0133] S43. A first electrode layer 440 is formed on the encapsulation layer 460.

[0134] S44. A filter layer 420, a light-blocking layer 430, and a separator layer 370 are formed on the first electrode layer 440. The orthogonal projection of the filter layer 420 on the array substrate 411 covers the orthogonal projection of the light-emitting unit 412 on the array substrate 411. The light-blocking layer 430 is disposed around the filter layer 420. The light-blocking layer 430 includes a liquid crystal layer 431 and a metal layer 432 stacked together. The liquid crystal layer 431 is located on the side of the metal layer 432 away from the array substrate 411. The separator layer 470 is located between the filter layer 420 and the light-blocking layer 430. The separator layer 470 is made of an electro-optic material.

[0135] In step S44, a separator layer 370 can be formed on the first electrode layer 440 first, while the order of fabrication of the filter layer 420 and the light-blocking layer 430 is not limited. For example, liquid crystal material can be drop-filled into the light-blocking layer 430 area to obtain a liquid crystal layer 431; then, a metal layer 432 can be fabricated by magnetron sputtering using a mask; and finally, the filter layer 420 can be formed by inkjet printing in the filter layer 420 area. Alternatively, the filter layer 420 can be formed by inkjet printing first, followed by drop-filling liquid crystal material into the light-blocking layer 430 area to obtain a liquid crystal layer 431; then, the metal layer 432 can be fabricated by magnetron sputtering. In this case, a mask may or may not be used.

[0136] S45. A second electrode layer 450 is formed on the filter layer 420, the light blocking layer 430 and the separator layer 470.

[0137] The display module 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention was prepared using the above preparation method, as shown below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown.

[0138] The display module fabrication method of this invention is simple, and the resulting display module can utilize the characteristics of a non-planarized metal layer and a disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer without electricity to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first and second electrode layers, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first and second electrode layers, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby altering the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layers. When the liquid crystal layers are energized and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting units can reach the surface of the metal layer, thus enhancing internal reflection and improving internal light extraction efficiency. Furthermore, when the display module includes a separator layer, the refractive index of the electro-optic material can be increased during normal display, narrowing the light extraction angle and thus achieving a light-focusing effect.

[0139] One embodiment of the display device includes any of the display modules described above.

[0140] The display module of this invention can be applied to fields such as mobile terminals, bionic electronics, electronic skin, wearable devices, automotive devices, Internet of Things devices, and artificial intelligence devices. Specifically, it can be applied to display devices in the aforementioned fields such as mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, iPods, and smartwatches.

[0141] The display device of this invention utilizes the characteristics of a non-planarized metal layer and a disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal layer without electrical current to achieve diffuse reflection of ambient light, thereby improving the front light extraction efficiency. Specifically, when different voltages are applied to the first and second electrode layers, an electric field is formed. By controlling the voltage difference between the first and second electrode layers, the magnitude of the electric field is changed, thereby altering the arrangement order of the liquid crystal layers. When the liquid crystal layers are electrically conductive and arranged in an orderly manner, the light emitted by the light-emitting units can reach the surface of the metal layer, thus enhancing internal reflection and improving internal light extraction efficiency.

[0142] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0143] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized by The display module comprises: an array substrate and a light-emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate; a light-filtering layer located on a side of the light-emitting unit away from the array substrate, a normal projection of the light-filtering layer on the array substrate covering a normal projection of the light-emitting unit on the array substrate; a light-blocking layer, in a direction parallel to a surface of the array substrate, the light-blocking layer being arranged around the light-filtering layer; the light-blocking layer comprising a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer arranged in layers, the liquid crystal layer being located on a side of the metal layer close to the array substrate; a first electrode layer located on a side of the light-blocking layer close to the array substrate; and a second electrode layer located on a side of the light-blocking layer away from the array substrate; when the light-emitting unit displays a picture, the liquid crystal layer is configured to allow light passing through the light-emitting unit; when the light-emitting unit is not displaying a picture, the liquid crystal layer is configured to block external light from entering the light-emitting unit; the metal layer has a rough surface for diffusely reflecting light.

2. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The display module further comprises a separation layer located between the light-filtering layer and the light-blocking layer, on both sides of the separation layer in a thickness direction of the array substrate being provided with the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer respectively, the separation layer being made of electro-optic material.

3. The display module of claim 2, wherein, The electro-optic material is transparent electro-optic material or semi-transparent electro-optic material.

4. The display module of claim 3, wherein, The transparent electro-optic material at least contains silicon.

5. The display module of claim 3, wherein, The semi-transparent electro-optic material is lithium niobate.

6. The display module of claim 2, wherein, The separation layer has different visible light refractive indexes in a state of being powered on and a state of not being powered on, the visible light refractive index of the separation layer in the state of being powered on being greater than the visible light refractive index of the separation layer in the state of not being powered on.

7. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are transparent electrodes.

8. The display module of claim 7, wherein, The material of the transparent electrode is indium tin oxide.

9. The display module of claim 1, wherein, On both sides of the light-filtering layer in the thickness direction of the array substrate, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are not provided; or On both sides of the light-filtering layer in the thickness direction of the array substrate, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are provided respectively.

10. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The display module further comprises an encapsulation layer located on a side of the light-emitting unit away from the array substrate.

11. A method of manufacturing the display module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: providing an array substrate and a light-emitting unit located on one side of the array substrate; forming a first electrode layer on the array substrate; forming a light-filtering layer and a light-blocking layer on the first electrode layer, or forming a light-blocking layer on the first electrode layer and forming a light-filtering layer on the array substrate; wherein a normal projection of the light-filtering layer on the array substrate covers a normal projection of the light-emitting unit on the array substrate, the light-blocking layer being arranged around the light-filtering layer; the light-blocking layer comprising a liquid crystal layer and a metal layer arranged in layers, the liquid crystal layer being located on a side of the metal layer close to the array substrate; and forming a second electrode layer on the light-blocking layer, or forming a second electrode layer on the light-blocking layer and the light-filtering layer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: The method for preparing the display module further comprises the following steps: ​ after forming the first electrode layer on the array substrate, forming a separation layer on the first electrode layer; and Forming a second electrode layer on the separation layer; wherein the separation layer is between the light filtering layer and the light blocking layer, and the separation layer is made of electro-optic material.

13. A display device comprising: The display module comprises the display module according to any one of claims 1-10.

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