Display device and driving method

Abstract

The application discloses a display device and a driving method, the display device comprises a display panel and an electrochromic device stacked on the light-emitting side of the display panel, the display panel has a reflection structure for reflecting ambient light; the electrochromic device has a patterned identification pattern area and a non-identification pattern area, the electrochromic device comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and an electrochromic layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer cooperate and are commonly used for controlling the electrochromic layer to switch between a transparent state and a non-transparent state, the first electrode layers corresponding to the identification pattern area and the non-identification pattern area are insulated and spaced apart from each other, and / or the second electrode layers corresponding to the identification pattern area and the non-identification pattern area are insulated and spaced apart from each other. By arranging the electrochromic device and the reflection structure for reflecting ambient light in the display device, the identification pattern is displayed by using ambient light, so that power consumption is saved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have numerous advantages, including thinness, energy efficiency, and no radiation, leading to their widespread use. Examples include LCD televisions, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, computer screens, and laptop screens, where they dominate the flat panel display field.

[0003] To enhance product competitiveness, existing display panels can still display the product's logo (trademark) when showing images from a narrow viewing angle, taking advantage of the difference in viewing angle. However, in existing technologies, the logo can only be seen from a wide viewing angle within a narrow viewing angle, and the backlight and display box need to be turned on to see the logo, which cannot achieve true screen-off display and results in high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology, the present invention aims to provide a display device and driving method, so as to realize the display of a logo pattern by using reflected ambient light when the display device enters sleep mode, thereby saving power consumption and improving product competitiveness while realizing functional diversification.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] The present invention provides a display device, including a display panel and an electrochromic device stacked on the light-emitting side of the display panel, wherein the display panel has a reflective structure for reflecting ambient light;

[0007] The electrochromic device has a graphically labeled pattern area and a non-labeled pattern area. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an electrochromic layer located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer cooperate with each other and are used to control the electrochromic layer to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. The first electrode layers corresponding to the labeled pattern area and the non-labeled pattern area are mutually insulated and spaced apart, and / or the second electrode layers corresponding to the labeled pattern area and the non-labeled pattern area are mutually insulated and spaced apart.

[0008] In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is used to reflect ambient light, the electrochromic layer corresponding to the logo pattern area is transparent, and the electrochromic layer corresponding to the non-logo pattern area is opaque.

[0009] Furthermore, the first electrode layer includes a first marking pattern electrode corresponding to the marking pattern area and a first non-marking pattern electrode corresponding to the non-marking pattern area, wherein the first marking pattern electrode and the first non-marking pattern electrode are insulated from each other and spaced apart; or, the first electrode layer is a planar electrode formed over the entire surface.

[0010] The second electrode layer includes a second identification pattern electrode corresponding to the identification pattern area and a second non-identification pattern electrode corresponding to the non-identification pattern area, wherein the second identification pattern electrode and the second non-identification pattern electrode are insulated from each other and spaced apart; or, the second electrode layer is a planar electrode formed over the entire surface.

[0011] The electrochromic layer includes an electrochromic layer with an identification pattern corresponding to the identification pattern area and an electrochromic layer with a non-identification pattern corresponding to the non-identification pattern area, wherein the electrochromic layer with the identification pattern and the electrochromic layer with the non-identification pattern are spaced apart from each other; or, the electrochromic layer is a planar structure formed over the entire surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the display panel has a plurality of first pixel units arranged in an array, and the electrochromic device has a plurality of second pixel units arranged in an array. The first pixel units and the second pixel units correspond one-to-one, and the marking pattern area and the non-marking pattern area each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units.

[0013] The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode blocks arranged in an array, and each first electrode block corresponds to a second pixel unit. Any two first electrode blocks are insulated from each other and spaced apart.

[0014] Furthermore, the display panel includes multiple first scan lines, multiple first data lines, and multiple first thin-film transistors. The multiple first scan lines and multiple first data lines are mutually insulated and cross each other to form multiple first pixel units. Each first pixel unit is provided with a pixel electrode and a first thin-film transistor. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the first scan line and the first data line adjacent to the first thin-film transistor through the first thin-film transistor.

[0015] The electrochromic device includes multiple second scan lines, multiple second data lines, and multiple second thin-film transistors. The multiple second scan lines and multiple second data lines are mutually insulated and cross each other to form multiple second pixel units. Each second pixel unit is provided with a first electrode block and a second thin-film transistor. The first electrode block is electrically connected to the second scan line and the second data line adjacent to the second thin-film transistor through the second thin-film transistor.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrochromic device includes a third electrode layer that cooperates with the second electrode layer. The third electrode layer and the first electrode layer are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer and are insulated from each other. The third electrode layer has a grid structure and its projection on the electrochromic device separates multiple second pixel units from each other. The electrochromic layer is provided between the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrochromic device has a graphical clock pattern area, which corresponds to a plurality of second pixel units.

[0018] Furthermore, the display panel is a transmissive display panel, the display device includes a backlight module disposed on the light-incident side of the display panel, the display panel includes a dimming box and a display liquid crystal cell stacked on top of each other, the dimming box is disposed between the display liquid crystal cell and the electrochromic device, the reflective structure is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective film, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film is disposed between the dimming box and the display liquid crystal cell, the dimming box is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles, and the display liquid crystal cell is used to control the grayscale display of the image;

[0019] Alternatively, the display panel may be a reflective display panel, which can display images using reflected ambient light.

[0020] This application also provides a driving method for a display device, the driving method being used to drive the display device as described above, the driving method comprising:

[0021] In the display mode, the entire electrochromic device is controlled to be in a transparent state, and the display panel controls the display of the image;

[0022] In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device is controlled to be transparent in the logo pattern area and opaque in the non-logo pattern area.

[0023] Furthermore, the display panel has a plurality of first pixel units arranged in an array, and the electrochromic device has a plurality of second pixel units arranged in an array. The first pixel units correspond one-to-one with the second pixel units. The marking pattern area and the non-marking pattern area each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units. The electrochromic device includes a third electrode layer that cooperates with the second electrode layer. The third electrode layer and the first electrode layer are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer and are insulated from each other. The projection of the third electrode layer onto the electrochromic device separates the plurality of second pixel units from each other. The electrochromic layer is disposed between the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer. The driving method includes:

[0024] In both the screen display mode and the logo pattern display mode, the electrochromic layer between the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer is controlled to be in a non-transparent state.

[0025] Furthermore, the display panel has a plurality of first pixel units arranged in an array, the electrochromic device has a plurality of second pixel units arranged in an array, the first pixel units and the second pixel units correspond one-to-one, the marking pattern area and the non-marking pattern area each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units, the electrochromic device has a graphical clock pattern area, the clock pattern area corresponds to a plurality of second pixel units, and the driving method includes:

[0026] In clock display mode, the control panel is made to reflect ambient light throughout the entire display panel, and the electrochromic device is made to be transparent in the bright stroke area and the logo pattern area of ​​the clock pattern area, and opaque in the dark stroke area and the non-logo pattern area of ​​the clock pattern area.

[0027] Alternatively, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area, and opaque in the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area, the logo pattern area, and the non-logo pattern area.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting an electrochromic device and a reflective structure for reflecting ambient light in the display device, the ambient light reflected by the reflective structure in the display panel is used in the identification pattern display mode, and the electrochromic layer corresponding to the identification pattern area is controlled to be transparent and the electrochromic layer corresponding to the non-identification pattern area is controlled to be opaque, thereby realizing the display of identification patterns using ambient light and saving power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in the transparent state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in the non-transparent state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second electrode layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in wide viewing angle mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in narrow viewing angle mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the pattern display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic layer in the pattern display mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second array substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in the pattern display mode according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the third electrode layer in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 20This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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 device and driving method proposed according to the present invention:

[0050] [Example 1]

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in the transparent state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in the non-transparent state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second electrode layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first array substrate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a display device includes a display panel and an electrochromic device 60 stacked on the light-emitting side of the display panel. The display panel has a reflective structure for reflecting ambient light. The electrochromic device 60 is used to display a label pattern by utilizing the ambient light reflected by the display panel in the label pattern display mode; the display panel is used to control the normal display of the screen in the image display mode.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrochromic device 60 has a marked pattern area 610 and a non-marked pattern area 620. The electrochromic device 60 includes a first electrode layer 61, a second electrode layer 62, and an electrochromic layer 63 located between the first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62. The first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62 cooperate with each other and are used to control the electrochromic layer 63 to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. The first electrode layers 61 corresponding to the marked pattern area 610 and the non-marked pattern area 620 are mutually insulated and spaced apart, and / or the second electrode layers 62 corresponding to the marked pattern area 610 and the non-marked pattern area 620 are mutually insulated and spaced apart.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the electrochromic layer 63 includes a charge storage layer 631, an electrolyte layer 632, and an electrochromic material layer 633 stacked sequentially. When no voltage (0V) is applied to the first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62, the ions in the electrolyte layer 632 are stored at the interface of the charge storage layer 631 and do not migrate. At this time, the electrochromic material layer 633 is transparent. When a voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62 and a voltage difference (1~5V) is formed, the electric field between the first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62 is directed towards the electrochromic material layer 633. The ions in the electrolyte layer 632 migrate to the surface of the electrochromic material layer 633 and react. The color of the electrochromic material layer 633 changes to an opaque dark blue. At this time, the electrochromic material layer 633 is opaque. The marking pattern is displayed by utilizing the difference in light transmittance of the electrochromic layer 63 between the corresponding areas of the marking pattern area 610 and the non-marking pattern area 620. The charge storage layer 631 is, for example, NiOx, NiWOx, NiWTaOx, etc.; the electrolyte layer 632 includes electrolytes such as H+, Li+, Al3+, Na+, K+, Rb+, or Cs+, for example, LiNbO2, LiClO4, LiBF4, LiAsF6, or LiPF6; the electrochromic layer (WO3, or WMoOx, WTiOx, WNiOx, etc.). The reaction formula is as follows:

[0055] 3 (transparent) + xLi + =Li x 3 (Dark Blue)

[0056] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the first electrode layer 61 includes a first identification pattern electrode 611 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610 and a first non-identification pattern electrode 612 corresponding to the non-identification pattern area 620. The first identification pattern electrode 611 and the first non-identification pattern electrode 612 are insulated from each other and spaced apart, meaning that different electrical signals can be applied to the first identification pattern electrode 611 and the first non-identification pattern electrode 612 respectively. Figure 6 As shown, the second electrode layer 62 includes a second identification pattern electrode 621 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610 and a second non-identification pattern electrode 622 corresponding to the non-identification pattern area 620. The second identification pattern electrode 621 and the second non-identification pattern electrode 622 are insulated from each other and spaced apart, meaning that different electrical signals can be applied to the second identification pattern electrode 621 and the second non-identification pattern electrode 622 respectively. Figure 7As shown, the electrochromic layer 63 includes an electrochromic layer 63a corresponding to the marking pattern area 610 and an electrochromic layer 63b corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620. The marking pattern electrochromic layer 63a and the non-marking pattern electrochromic layer 63b are spaced apart from each other, so there is no mutual interference at the edges between the marking pattern electrochromic layer 63a and the non-marking pattern electrochromic layer 63b. The projections of the first marking pattern electrode 611, the second marking pattern electrode 621, and the marking pattern electrochromic layer 63a onto the electrochromic device 60 coincide, and the projections of the first non-marking pattern electrode 612, the second non-marking pattern electrode 622, and the non-marking pattern electrochromic layer 63b onto the electrochromic device 60 coincide. Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode layer 61 can also be a planar electrode formed over its entire surface, or the second electrode layer 62 can also be a planar electrode formed over its entire surface, or the electrochromic layer 63 can also be a planar structure formed over its entire surface, but the first electrode layer 61 and the second electrode layer 62 cannot both be planar electrodes formed over their entire surfaces. Using a planar structure formed over the entire surface of the first electrode layer 61, the second electrode layer 62, and the electrochromic layer 63 can reduce the number of masking processes and simplify the manufacturing process.

[0057] In this embodiment, the display panel is a transmissive display panel. The display device includes a backlight module 40, which is disposed on the light-incident side of the display panel and is used to provide a backlight for the display panel.

[0058] The backlight module 40 includes a backlight source 41 and a privacy layer 42, which reduces the range of light emission angles. A brightness enhancement film 43 is also provided between the backlight source 41 and the privacy layer 42 to increase the brightness of the backlight module 40. The privacy layer 42 acts like a miniature venetian blind, blocking light with a large incident angle while allowing light with a smaller incident angle to pass through, thus reducing the range of light angles passing through the privacy layer 42. The privacy layer 42 includes multiple parallel light-blocking walls and light-transmitting holes located between adjacent light-blocking walls. Light-absorbing material is provided on both sides of the light-blocking walls. Alternatively, the backlight source 41 can be a light-collecting backlight, eliminating the need for a privacy layer 42, but light-collecting backlights are more expensive than conventional backlights. The backlight module 40 can be a side-lit backlight module or a direct-lit backlight module. Preferably, the backlight module 40 adopts a collimated backlight (CBL) mode, which can collect light and ensure display effect.

[0059] The display panel includes a dimming box 10 and a display liquid crystal cell 30 stacked on top of each other. The dimming box 10 is located between the display liquid crystal cell 30 and the electrochromic device 60. The reflective structure is a transflective film 20, which is located between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 30. The dimming box 10 is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles, and the display liquid crystal cell 30 is used to control the grayscale display of the image. The transflective film 20 has both transmission and reflection functions for light. The reflection and transmission ratio of the transflective film 20 can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the transflective film 20 is an APF polarizer.

[0060] 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 located between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. A viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 is provided on the first substrate 11, and a viewing angle control electrode 121 is provided on the second substrate 12. The viewing angle control electrode 121 cooperates with the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111. By controlling the voltage on the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121, the dimming box 10 can switch between wide and narrow viewing angles. When the dimming box 10 is in a wide viewing angle, the transflective film 20 mainly transmits backlight, and the displayed image is visible from all angles. When the dimming box 10 is in a narrow viewing angle, the transflective film 20 can reflect ambient light to enhance the narrow viewing angle effect. The viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 is a planar electrode covering the entire surface of the first substrate 11, and the viewing angle control electrode 121 is a planar electrode covering the entire surface of the second substrate 12, thereby enabling the dimming box 10 to simultaneously switch between wide and narrow viewing angles across its entire surface.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 13 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, positive liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 near the first substrate 11 is parallel to the alignment direction near the second substrate 12 (either forward parallel or anti-parallel), thus making the dimming cell 10 a wide viewing angle state in the initial state. The positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 can have a small initial pretilt angle with the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The range of the initial pretilt angle can be less than or equal to 10 degrees, i.e., 0°≦θ≦10°, to reduce the response time of the vertical deflection of the positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, to reduce the response time of switching between wide and narrow viewing angles. Of course, in other embodiments, the first liquid crystal layer 13 can also use negative liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with negative dielectric anisotropy. The negative liquid crystal molecules are tilted and aligned with the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, thus making the dimming cell 10 a narrow viewing angle state in the initial state.

[0062] The display liquid crystal cell 30 includes a color filter substrate 31, a first array substrate 32 disposed opposite to the color filter substrate 31, and a second liquid crystal layer 33 located between the color filter substrate 31 and the first array substrate 32. In this embodiment, the second liquid crystal layer 33 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 33 are aligned parallel to the color filter substrate 31 and the first array substrate 32, and the alignment direction of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the color filter substrate 31 is parallel to that of the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side closer to the first array substrate 32.

[0063] The color filter substrate 31 has a color resist layer 312 and black matrices (BM) 311 separating the color resist layer 312 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 33. The color resist layer 312 includes, for example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color resist materials, which respectively form red, green, and blue pixel units. The black matrices 311 are located between the red, green, and blue pixel units, so that adjacent pixel units are separated from each other by the black matrices 311.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, the display panel has multiple first pixel units P1 arranged in an array. On the side of the first array substrate 32 facing the second liquid crystal layer 33, multiple first scan lines 1 and multiple first data lines 2 are mutually insulated and intersecting to form multiple first pixel units P1. Each first pixel unit P1 is provided with a pixel electrode 322 and a first thin-film transistor 3. The pixel electrode 322 is electrically connected to the first scan line 1 and the first data line 2 adjacent to the first thin-film transistor 3 through the first thin-film transistor 3. The black matrix 311 corresponds vertically to the first scan line 1, the first data line 2, and the first thin-film transistor 3. The first thin-film transistor 3 includes a first gate, a first active layer, a first drain, and a first source. The first gate is located on the same layer as the first scan line 1 and is electrically connected. The first gate is isolated from the first active layer by an insulating layer. The first source is electrically connected to the first data line 2. The first drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 322 through a contact hole.

[0065] In this embodiment, a common electrode 321 is further provided on the side of the first array substrate 32 facing the second liquid crystal layer 33. The common electrode 321 and the pixel electrode 322 are located on different layers and are insulated from each other by an insulating layer. The common electrode 321 may be located above or below the pixel electrode 322. Figure 1The diagram shows the common electrode 321 located below the pixel electrode 322. Preferably, the common electrode 321 is a planar electrode disposed across the entire surface, and the pixel electrode 322 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 322 and the common electrode 321 are located on the same layer, but they are insulated from each other. Both the pixel electrode 322 and the common electrode 321 may include multiple electrode strips, and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 322 and the common electrode 321 are arranged alternately to form an in-plane switching (IPS) mode; or, in other embodiments, the first array substrate 32 has a pixel electrode 322 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 33, and the color filter substrate 31 has a common electrode 321 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 33 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.

[0066] Furthermore, a first polarizer 51 is provided between the dimming box 10 and the display liquid crystal cell 30, a second polarizer 52 is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal cell 30 away from the dimming box 10, and a third polarizer 53 is provided on the side of the dimming box 10 away from the display liquid crystal cell 30. The transmission axes of the first polarizer 51 and the second polarizer 52 are perpendicular to each other, and the transmission axis of the third polarizer 53 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first polarizer 51. In this embodiment, a first polarizer 51 is provided between the color filter substrate 31 and the second substrate 12, a second polarizer 52 is provided on the side of the first array substrate 32 away from the second liquid crystal layer 33, and a third polarizer 53 is provided on the side of the first substrate 11 away from the first liquid crystal layer 13. The transmission axis of the transflective film 20 is parallel to the transmission axis of the third polarizer 53 and the transmission axis of the first polarizer 51, and the reflection axis of the transflective film 20 is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the third polarizer 53 and the transmission axis of the first polarizer 51. The third polarizer 53 can be disposed between the dimming box 10 and the electrochromic device 60, or it can be disposed on the side of the electrochromic device 60 away from the dimming box 10, thereby protecting the electrochromic device 60. Of course, in other embodiments, since the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20 has a polarizing effect on light, the first polarizer 51 can be replaced by the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20, thereby reducing the box thickness of the display device.

[0067] The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the color filter substrate 31, and the first array substrate 32 can be made of transparent substrates such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111, the viewing angle control electrode 121, the first electrode layer 61, the second electrode layer 62, the common electrode 321, and the pixel electrode 322 can be made of transparent electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0068] This application also provides a driving method for a display device, the driving method being used to drive the display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0069] In the display mode, the entire electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a transparent state, and the display panel controls the display of the image.

[0070] In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the logo pattern area 610 and opaque in the non-logo pattern area 620.

[0071] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in wide viewing angle mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in narrow viewing angle mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the display modes include wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode. In wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode, no voltage (0V) is applied to all first electrode layers 61 and all second electrode layers 62, so that the entire electrochromic device 60 is in a transparent state.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, in wide viewing angle mode, neither the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 nor the viewing angle control electrode 121 is subjected to an electrical signal. No vertical electric field is formed between them, and the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect vertically and maintain their initial flat posture. In this mode, the display device achieves wide viewing angle display. During wide viewing angle display, since the display device has high brightness regardless of whether it is at a wide viewing angle or a normal viewing angle, the influence of ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 on the wide viewing angle display can be largely ignored.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, in narrow viewing angle mode, corresponding electrical signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 respectively. The voltage difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 is greater than a preset value (e.g., greater than 5V), so that a strong vertical electric field is formed between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. Figure 10In the first liquid crystal layer 13 (E2), the positive liquid crystal molecules undergo significant vertical deflection and tilt. At this time, the first liquid crystal layer 13 is in a light-absorbing state at a wide viewing angle (i.e., brightness is reduced at a wide viewing angle), resulting in reduced contrast and enabling the display device to achieve a narrow viewing angle. However, during narrow viewing angle display, because the brightness and contrast reduction are lower at wide viewing angles, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can strongly interfere with the transmitted backlight at wide viewing angles. Therefore, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can enhance the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0074] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in both wide-viewing-angle mode and narrow-viewing-angle mode, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 321, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 322. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 322 and the common electrode 321, generating a horizontal electric field. Figure 9 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 achieving grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 322, the pixel unit exhibits different brightness, thereby displaying different images at wide and narrow viewing angles, so as to achieve normal display of the display device at both wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0075] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in the pattern display mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic layer in the display mode of the indicated pattern in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, when the pattern is displayed, the display panel is turned off, that is, no electrical signal is applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal box 30 and the backlight module 40, and the entire display panel reflects ambient light through the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20. No voltage (0V) is applied to the first marking pattern electrode 611 and the second marking pattern electrode 621, so that the marking pattern electrochromic layer 63a is in a transparent state, that is, the electrochromic device 60 is in a transparent state in the marking pattern area 610, and ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 can pass through the marking pattern area 610, making the marking pattern area 610 bright. Meanwhile, a voltage is applied to the first non-marking pattern electrode 612 and the second non-marking pattern electrode 622, forming a voltage difference (1~5V). The electric field direction between the first non-marking pattern electrode 612 and the second non-marking pattern electrode 622 is towards the electrochromic material layer 633, thereby controlling the non-marking pattern electrochromic layer 63b to be opaque, that is, the electrochromic device 60 is in an opaque state in the non-marking pattern area 620, and ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the non-marking pattern area 620, making the non-marking pattern area 620 dark. The marking pattern is displayed through the difference in brightness between the marking pattern area 610 and the non-marking pattern area 620.

[0076] [Example 2]

[0077] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, the display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 12 The display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0078] The first electrode layer 61 includes a first marking pattern electrode 611 corresponding to the marking pattern area 610 and a first non-marking pattern electrode 612 corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620. The first marking pattern electrode 611 and the first non-marking pattern electrode 612 are insulated from each other, meaning that different electrical signals can be applied to the first marking pattern electrode 611 and the first non-marking pattern electrode 612 respectively. The second electrode layer 62 is a planar electrode formed over its entire surface, and the electrochromic layer 63 is a planar structure formed over its entire surface. Therefore, when fabricating the second electrode layer 62 and the electrochromic layer 63, only full-surface coating is required, without the need for etching through a mask process, thereby reducing the number of mask processes and simplifying the fabrication process.

[0079] 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.

[0080] [Example 3]

[0081] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the second array substrate in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 12 Example 2 Figure 13 The display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0082] The electrochromic device 60 has multiple arrayed second pixel units P2, with a one-to-one correspondence between the first pixel unit P1 and the second pixel unit P2. The marking pattern area 610 and the non-marking pattern area 620 each correspond to multiple second pixel units P2. The first electrode layer 61 includes multiple arrayed first electrode blocks 613, with a one-to-one correspondence between the first electrode blocks 613 and the second pixel units P2. Any two first electrode blocks 613 are insulated from each other, meaning each first electrode block 61 can be independently controlled. This allows the electrochromic layer 63 in the area corresponding to each second pixel unit P2 to independently switch between a transparent and an opaque state, enabling the pattern in the marking pattern area 610 to be arbitrarily adjusted according to actual needs.

[0083] The electrochromic device 60 includes multiple second scan lines 4, multiple second data lines 5, and multiple second thin-film transistors 6. The multiple second scan lines 4 and multiple second data lines 5 are mutually insulated and intersecting to form multiple second pixel units P2. Each second pixel unit P2 is provided with a first electrode block 613 and a second thin-film transistor 6. The first electrode block 613 is electrically connected to the second scan line 4 and the second data line 5 adjacent to the second thin-film transistor 6 through the second thin-film transistor 6. That is, the electrochromic device 60 has a second array substrate, so that each first electrode block 613 can be independently controlled by the corresponding second scan line 4, second data line 5, and second thin-film transistor 6. The second thin-film transistor 6 includes a second gate, a second active layer, a second drain, and a second source. The second gate is located on the same layer as the second scan line 4 and is electrically connected. The second gate is isolated from the second active layer by an insulating layer. The second source is electrically connected to the second data line 5. The second drain is electrically connected to the first electrode block 613 through a contact hole.

[0084] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16As shown, in this embodiment, the electrochromic device 60 has a graphical clock pattern area 630, which corresponds to multiple second pixel units P2. The clock pattern area 630 has multiple stroke areas, and the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to each stroke area can independently switch between a transparent state and an opaque state, so that the numbers in the clock pattern area 630 can change over time.

[0085] This application also provides a driving method for a display device, the driving method being used to drive the display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0086] In the display mode, the entire electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a transparent state, and the display panel controls the display of the image.

[0087] In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the logo pattern area 610 and opaque in the non-logo pattern area 620.

[0088] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the display modes include wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode. In wide viewing angle mode and narrow viewing angle mode, no voltage (0V) is applied to all first electrode layers 61 and all second electrode layers 62, so that the entire electrochromic device 60 is in a transparent state.

[0089] refer to Figure 9 As shown, in wide viewing angle mode, neither the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 nor the viewing angle control electrode 121 is subjected to an electrical signal. No vertical electric field is formed between them, and the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect vertically and maintain their initial flat posture. In this mode, the display device achieves wide viewing angle display. During wide viewing angle display, since the display device has high brightness regardless of whether it is at a wide viewing angle or a normal viewing angle, the influence of ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 on the wide viewing angle display can be largely ignored.

[0090] refer to Figure 10 As shown, in narrow viewing angle mode, corresponding electrical signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 respectively. The voltage difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 is greater than a preset value (e.g., greater than 5V), so that a strong vertical electric field is formed between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. Figure 10In the first liquid crystal layer 13 (E2), the positive liquid crystal molecules undergo significant vertical deflection and tilt. At this time, the first liquid crystal layer 13 is in a light-absorbing state at a wide viewing angle (i.e., brightness is reduced at a wide viewing angle), resulting in reduced contrast and enabling the display device to achieve a narrow viewing angle. However, during narrow viewing angle display, because the brightness and contrast reduction are lower at wide viewing angles, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can strongly interfere with the transmitted backlight at wide viewing angles. Therefore, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can enhance the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0091] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in both wide-viewing-angle mode and narrow-viewing-angle mode, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 321, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 322. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 322 and the common electrode 321, generating a horizontal electric field. Figure 9 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 achieving grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 322, the pixel unit exhibits different brightness, thereby displaying different images at wide and narrow viewing angles, so as to achieve normal display of the display device at both wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0092] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in the identification pattern display mode, the display panel is off, meaning that no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40. The entire display panel reflects ambient light through the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20. A common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and no voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610, so that the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610 is in a transparent state, that is, the electrochromic device 60 is in a transparent state in the identification pattern area 610, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 can pass through the identification pattern area 610, making the identification pattern area 610 bright. When a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the non-identification pattern area 610 is not affected. A voltage (e.g., 1-5V) is applied to the electrode block 613, creating a voltage difference between it and the second electrode layer 62. The electric field direction between the first electrode block 613 and the second electrode layer 62 corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620 is towards the electrochromic material layer 633, thereby controlling the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620 to be in a non-transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a non-transparent state in the non-marking pattern area 620, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the non-marking pattern area 620, so the non-marking pattern area 620 is in a dark state. The marking pattern is displayed by the difference in brightness between the marking pattern area 610 and the non-marking pattern area 620. The voltage applied to any of the first electrode blocks 613 can be controlled to be either applied or not applied by the second scan line 4, the second data line 5, and the second thin-film transistor 6, thereby allowing the pattern of the marking pattern area 610 to be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0093] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the electrochromic device in the third embodiment of the present invention when displaying a pattern. Figure 17As shown, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light. That is, no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40; the entire display panel reflects ambient light through the transflective film 20. The electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area and the marker pattern area 610 of the clock pattern area 630, and opaque in the dark stroke area and the non-marker pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630. Specifically, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and no voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, so that the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610 is in a transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 can pass through the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, so the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610 are in a bright state; while a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-mark pattern area are in a transparent state. A voltage (e.g., 1-5V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the clock pattern area 620, creating a voltage difference between it and the second electrode layer 62. The electric field direction between the first electrode block 613 and the second electrode layer 62 corresponding to the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 is directed towards the electrochromic material layer 633. This controls the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 to be in a non-transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a non-transparent state in the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620. Ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620, so the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 are in a dark state. The display of the marking pattern and the clock pattern is achieved through the difference in brightness between the clock pattern area 63, the marking pattern area 610, and the non-marking pattern area 620.

[0094] Of course, in other embodiments, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, meaning that no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40, and the entire display panel reflects ambient light through the translucent film 20. The electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke areas of the clock pattern area 630 and opaque in the dark stroke areas, the marker pattern area 610, and the non-marker pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630. Specifically, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, while no voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630. This makes the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 transparent, meaning the electrochromic device 60 is transparent in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630, allowing ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 to pass through the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630, resulting in a bright state in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630. Meanwhile, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and voltages (e.g., 1~5V) are applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the dark stroke area, the marking pattern area 610, and the non-marking pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630, forming a voltage difference between them and the second electrode layer 62. The electric field direction between the first electrode block 613 and the second electrode layer 62 corresponding to the dark stroke area, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630 is directed towards the electrochromic material layer 633. This controls the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the dark stroke area, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630 to be in a non-transparent state. That is, it controls the electrochromic device 60 to be in a non-transparent state in the dark stroke area, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630. Ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the dark stroke area, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630, so the dark stroke area, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630 are in a dark state. By the difference in brightness between the clock pattern area 63, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620, the clock pattern can be displayed independently.

[0095] 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 Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] [Example 4]

[0097] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the third electrode layer in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 3. Figures 14 to 17 The display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0098] The electrochromic device 60 includes a third electrode layer 64 that cooperates with the second electrode layer 62. The third electrode layer 64 and the first electrode layer 61 are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer 63 and are insulated from each other. The third electrode layer 64 and the first electrode layer 61 are located on different layers and are separated from each other by an insulating layer. The third electrode layer 64 has a mesh structure, and its projection on the electrochromic device 60 separates multiple second pixel units P2. An electrochromic layer 63 is provided between the second electrode layer 62 and the third electrode layer 64. The projection of the first electrode block 613 on the electrochromic device 60 covers the mesh of the third electrode layer 64, and the projection of the third electrode layer 64 on the electrochromic device 60 covers the gap between any two adjacent first electrode blocks 613. Because there is a gap between any two adjacent first electrode blocks 613, light leakage will occur between two adjacent second pixel units P2. The leaked light includes ambient light reflected by the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20, as well as ambient light reflected by the second scan line 4, the second data line 5, and the second thin-film transistor 6, which will affect the display effect of the logo pattern and the clock pattern. After setting the grid-like third electrode layer 64, the electrochromic layer 63 between the third electrode layer 64 and the second electrode layer 62 can be controlled to be in a non-transparent state, thereby avoiding light leakage between two adjacent second pixel units P2. Of course, the third electrode layer 64 can also cover the non-display area at the edge of the display device, thereby avoiding light leakage in the non-display area at the edge of the display device.

[0099] In this embodiment, the projection of the third electrode layer 64 onto the color filter substrate 31 coincides with the black matrix 311. Since the third electrode layer 64 and the second electrode layer 62 can control the electrochromic layer 63 between the third electrode layer 64 and the second electrode layer 62 to be in a non-transparent state, it can achieve a light-shielding effect. Therefore, there is no need to set the black matrix 311 on the color filter substrate 31, thereby reducing the cell thickness of the display device, simplifying the manufacturing process of the display device, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0100] This application also provides a driving method for a display device, the driving method being used to drive the display device as described above. The driving method includes:

[0101] In screen display mode, logo pattern display mode, and clock display mode, the electrochromic layer 63 between the second electrode layer 62 and the third electrode layer 64 is controlled to be in a non-transparent state. That is, the electrochromic layer 63 in the area corresponding to the third electrode layer 64 is in a non-transparent state, thereby avoiding light leakage between two adjacent second pixel units P2.

[0102] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the display modes include a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode. In both wide and narrow viewing angle modes, no voltage (0V) is applied to any of the first electrode layers 61 and all of the second electrode layers 62, so that the electrochromic devices 60 corresponding to all the second pixel units P2 are in a transparent state. A voltage (e.g., 1~5V) is applied to the third electrode layer 64 and a voltage difference is formed between it and the second electrode layer 62, thereby controlling the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the third electrode layer 64 to be in a non-transparent state. The ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the area corresponding to the third electrode layer 64, and the area corresponding to the third electrode layer 64 is in a dark state, achieving the effect of a black matrix.

[0103] refer to Figure 9 As shown, in wide viewing angle mode, neither the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 nor the viewing angle control electrode 121 is subjected to an electrical signal. No vertical electric field is formed between them, and the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 do not deflect vertically and maintain their initial flat posture. In this mode, the display device achieves wide viewing angle display. During wide viewing angle display, since the display device has high brightness regardless of whether it is at a wide viewing angle or a normal viewing angle, the influence of ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 on the wide viewing angle display can be largely ignored.

[0104] refer to Figure 10 As shown, in narrow viewing angle mode, corresponding electrical signals are applied to the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 respectively. The voltage difference between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121 is greater than a preset value (e.g., greater than 5V), so that a strong vertical electric field is formed between the viewing angle auxiliary electrode 111 and the viewing angle control electrode 121. Figure 10 In the first liquid crystal layer 13 (E2), the positive liquid crystal molecules undergo significant vertical deflection and tilt. At this time, the first liquid crystal layer 13 is in a light-absorbing state at a wide viewing angle (i.e., brightness is reduced at a wide viewing angle), resulting in reduced contrast and enabling the display device to achieve a narrow viewing angle. However, during narrow viewing angle display, because the brightness and contrast reduction are lower at wide viewing angles, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can strongly interfere with the transmitted backlight at wide viewing angles. Therefore, the ambient light reflected by the transflective film 20 can enhance the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0105] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in both wide-viewing-angle mode and narrow-viewing-angle mode, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 321, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 322. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 322 and the common electrode 321, generating a horizontal electric field. Figure 9 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 achieving grayscale display. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltage levels. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 322, the pixel unit exhibits different brightness, thereby displaying different images at wide and narrow viewing angles, so as to achieve normal display of the display device at both wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0106] In the pattern display mode and clock display mode, no voltage (0V) is applied to any of the second electrode layers 62, and a voltage (e.g., 1~5V) is applied to the third electrode layer 64, forming a voltage difference with the second electrode layer 62. This controls the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the third electrode layer 64 to be in a non-transparent state. Ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the area corresponding to the third electrode layer 64, and the area corresponding to the third electrode layer 64 is in a dark state, achieving the effect of a black matrix.

[0107] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in the identification pattern display mode, the display panel is off, meaning that no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40. The entire display panel reflects ambient light through the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20. A common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and no voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610, so that the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the identification pattern area 610 is in a transparent state, that is, the electrochromic device 60 is in a transparent state in the identification pattern area 610, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 can pass through the identification pattern area 610, making the identification pattern area 610 bright. When a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the non-identification pattern area 610 is not affected. A voltage (e.g., 1-5V) is applied to the electrode block 613, creating a voltage difference between it and the second electrode layer 62. The electric field direction between the first electrode block 613 and the second electrode layer 62 corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620 is towards the electrochromic material layer 633, thereby controlling the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the non-marking pattern area 620 to be in a non-transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a non-transparent state in the non-marking pattern area 620, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the non-marking pattern area 620, so the non-marking pattern area 620 is in a dark state. The marking pattern is displayed by the difference in brightness between the marking pattern area 610 and the non-marking pattern area 620. The voltage applied to any of the first electrode blocks 613 can be controlled to be either applied or not applied by the second scan line 4, the second data line 5, and the second thin-film transistor 6, thereby allowing the pattern of the marking pattern area 610 to be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0108] refer to Figure 17As shown, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light. That is, no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40; the entire display panel reflects ambient light through the transflective film 20. The electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area and the marker pattern area 610 of the clock pattern area 630, and opaque in the dark stroke area and the non-marker pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630. Specifically, a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and no voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, so that the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610 is in a transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, and the ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 can pass through the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610, so the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the mark pattern area 610 are in a bright state; while a common voltage (e.g., 0V) is applied to the second electrode layer 62, and the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-mark pattern area are in a transparent state. A voltage (e.g., 1-5V) is applied to the first electrode block 613 corresponding to the clock pattern area 620, creating a voltage difference between it and the second electrode layer 62. The electric field direction between the first electrode block 613 and the second electrode layer 62 corresponding to the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 is directed towards the electrochromic material layer 633. This controls the electrochromic layer 63 corresponding to the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 to be in a non-transparent state. That is, the electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be in a non-transparent state in the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620. Ambient light reflected by the semi-reflective film 20 cannot pass through the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620, so the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area 630 and the non-marking pattern area 620 are in a dark state. The display of the marking pattern and the clock pattern is achieved through the difference in brightness between the clock pattern area 63, the marking pattern area 610, and the non-marking pattern area 620.

[0109] Of course, in other embodiments, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, meaning that no electrical signals are applied to the dimming box 10, the display liquid crystal cell 30, and the backlight module 40, and the entire display panel reflects ambient light through the semi-transparent and semi-reflective film 20. The electrochromic device 60 is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke areas of the clock pattern area 630 and opaque in the dark stroke areas, the logo pattern area 610, and the non-logo pattern area 620 of the clock pattern area 630, as detailed in Embodiment 3.

[0110] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structure and working principle of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0111] [Example 5]

[0112] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the display device in its initial state according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 20 As shown, the display device and driving method provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 12 Example 2 Figure 13 Example 3 Figures 14 to 17 ) and Example 4 ( Figures 18 to 19 The display device and driving method are basically the same as those in the previous embodiment, except that in this embodiment:

[0113] The display panel is a reflective display panel, which utilizes reflected ambient light to display images. Therefore, the display device does not require a backlight module 40, thereby further saving power and reducing the cell thickness. In the display mode of the logo and / or the clock display mode, it is only necessary to control the entire reflective display panel to reflect ambient light.

[0114] In this embodiment, the display panel is an electronic ink screen 70. Of course, the display panel can also be other reflective display panels, such as electrophoretic screens, dye liquid crystal panels, cholesteric liquid crystal panels, etc.

[0115] The electronic ink screen 70 includes a counter substrate 71, a third array substrate 72 disposed opposite to the counter substrate 71, and ink capsules 73 located between the counter substrate 71 and the third array substrate 72. Each ink capsule 73 contains black ink particles 731 and white ink particles 732 of opposite polarities. The white ink particles 732 are used to reflect white light. The counter substrate 71 is located on the side of the electronic ink screen 70 closer to the electrochromic device 60, and the third array substrate 72 is located on the side of the electronic ink screen 70 away from the electrochromic device 60. By providing electric fields of different directions to the ink capsules 73, the black ink particles 731 and white ink particles 732 can move in corresponding directions. For example, if the black ink particles 731 are negatively charged and the white ink particles 732 are positively charged, the white ink particles 732 will move in the direction of the electric field, and the black ink particles 731 will move in the opposite direction of the electric field. If an upward-facing electric field is provided, the white ink particle 732 moves upward and the black ink particle 731 moves downward; if a downward-facing electric field is provided, the white ink particle 732 moves downward and the black ink particle 731 moves upward. Alternatively, the black ink particle 731 can be positively charged and the white ink particle 732 negatively charged, causing the black ink particle 731 to move in the direction of the electric field and the white ink particle 732 to move in the opposite direction of the electric field.

[0116] The third array substrate 72 is provided with pixel electrodes 322, each corresponding to a first pixel unit P1. The opposing substrate 71 is provided with a common electrode 321 that cooperates with the pixel electrodes 322. The pixel electrodes 322 are block electrodes corresponding to the first pixel units P1, and the common electrode 321 is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the opposing substrate 71.

[0117] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiments 1 to 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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 device, characterized in that, It includes a display panel and an electrochromic device (60) stacked on the light-emitting side of the display panel, the display panel having a reflective structure for reflecting ambient light; The electrochromic device (60) has a graphically marked pattern area (610) and a non-marked pattern area (620). The electrochromic device (60) includes a first electrode layer (61), a second electrode layer (62), and an electrochromic layer (63) located between the first electrode layer (61) and the second electrode layer (62). The first electrode layer (61) and the second electrode layer (62) cooperate with each other and are used together to control the electrochromic layer (63) to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state. The first electrode layer (61) corresponding to the marked pattern area (610) and the non-marked pattern area (620) are mutually insulated and spaced apart, and / or the second electrode layer (62) corresponding to the marked pattern area (610) and the non-marked pattern area (620) are mutually insulated and spaced apart. The display panel has a plurality of first pixel units (P1) arranged in an array, and the electrochromic device (60) has a plurality of second pixel units (P2) arranged in an array. The first pixel units (P1) and the second pixel units (P2) correspond one-to-one. The marking pattern area (610) and the non-marking pattern area (620) each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units (P2). The first electrode layer (61) includes a plurality of first electrode blocks (613) arranged in an array. The first electrode blocks (613) correspond one-to-one with the second pixel unit (P2), and any two first electrode blocks (613) are insulated from each other. The electrochromic device (60) includes a third electrode layer (64) that cooperates with the second electrode layer (62). The third electrode layer (64) and the first electrode layer (61) are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer (63) and are insulated from each other. The third electrode layer (64) has a grid structure and its projection on the electrochromic device (60) separates multiple second pixel units (P2) from each other. The electrochromic layer (63) is provided between the second electrode layer (62) and the third electrode layer (64). In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is used to reflect ambient light. The electrochromic layer (63) corresponding to the logo pattern area (610) is transparent, and the electrochromic layer (63) corresponding to the non-logo pattern area (620) is opaque.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode layer (61) includes a first marking pattern electrode (611) corresponding to the marking pattern area (610) and a first non-marking pattern electrode (612) corresponding to the non-marking pattern area (620), wherein the first marking pattern electrode (611) and the first non-marking pattern electrode (612) are insulated from each other and spaced apart; or, the first electrode layer (61) is a planar electrode formed on the entire surface. The second electrode layer (62) includes a second marking pattern electrode (621) corresponding to the marking pattern area (610) and a second non-marking pattern electrode (622) corresponding to the non-marking pattern area (620), wherein the second marking pattern electrode (621) and the second non-marking pattern electrode (622) are insulated from each other and spaced apart; or, the second electrode layer (62) is a planar electrode formed on the entire surface; The electrochromic layer (63) includes an electrochromic layer (63a) corresponding to the marking pattern area (610) and an electrochromic layer (63b) corresponding to the non-marking pattern area (620), wherein the electrochromic layer (63a) and the electrochromic layer (63b) are spaced apart from each other; or, the electrochromic layer (63) is a planar structure formed over the entire surface.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes multiple first scan lines (1), multiple first data lines (2), and multiple first thin-film transistors (3). The multiple first scan lines (1) and multiple first data lines (2) are mutually insulated and cross each other to form multiple first pixel units (P1). Each first pixel unit (P1) is provided with a pixel electrode (322) and a first thin-film transistor (3). The pixel electrode (322) is electrically connected to the first scan line (1) and the first data line (2) adjacent to the first thin-film transistor (3) through the first thin-film transistor (3). The electrochromic device (60) includes multiple second scan lines (4), multiple second data lines (5), and multiple second thin-film transistors (6). The multiple second scan lines (4) and multiple second data lines (5) are mutually insulated and cross each other to form multiple second pixel units (P2). Each second pixel unit (P2) is provided with a first electrode block (613) and a second thin-film transistor (6). The first electrode block (613) is electrically connected to the second scan lines (4) and the second data lines (5) adjacent to the second thin-film transistor (6) through the second thin-film transistor (6).

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic device (60) has a graphical clock pattern area (630) corresponding to a plurality of second pixel units (P2).

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The display panel is a transmissive display panel. The display device includes a backlight module (40) disposed on the light-incident side of the display panel. The display panel includes a dimming box (10) and a display liquid crystal cell (30) stacked on top of each other. The dimming box (10) is disposed between the display liquid crystal cell (30) and the electrochromic device (60). The reflective structure is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective film (20) disposed between the dimming box (10) and the display liquid crystal cell (30). The dimming box (10) is used to control the switching of wide and narrow viewing angles. The display liquid crystal cell (30) is used to control the grayscale display of the image. Alternatively, the display panel may be a reflective display panel, which can display images using reflected ambient light.

6. A driving method for a display device, characterized in that, The driving method is used to drive the display device as described in any one of claims 1-5, and the driving method includes: In the screen display mode, the entire electrochromic device (60) is controlled to be in a transparent state, and the display panel controls the screen display; In the logo pattern display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device (60) is controlled to be transparent in the logo pattern area (610) and opaque in the non-logo pattern area (620).

7. The driving method for the display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display panel has a plurality of first pixel units (P1) arranged in an array, and the electrochromic device (60) has a plurality of second pixel units (P2) arranged in an array. The first pixel units (P1) and the second pixel units (P2) correspond one-to-one. The marking pattern area (610) and the non-marking pattern area (620) each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units (P2). The electrochromic device (60) includes a third electrode layer (64) that cooperates with the second electrode layer (62). The third electrode layer (64) and the first electrode layer (61) are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer (63) and are insulated from each other. The projection of the third electrode layer (64) onto the electrochromic device (60) separates the plurality of second pixel units (P2) from each other. The electrochromic layer (63) is provided between the second electrode layer (62) and the third electrode layer (64). The driving method includes: In both the screen display mode and the logo pattern display mode, the electrochromic layer (63) between the second electrode layer (62) and the third electrode layer (64) is controlled to be in a non-transparent state.

8. The driving method for the display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display panel has a plurality of first pixel units (P1) arranged in an array, and the electrochromic device (60) has a plurality of second pixel units (P2) arranged in an array. The first pixel units (P1) and the second pixel units (P2) correspond one-to-one. The marking pattern area (610) and the non-marking pattern area (620) each correspond to a plurality of second pixel units (P2). The electrochromic device (60) has a graphical clock pattern area (630), and the clock pattern area (630) corresponds to a plurality of second pixel units (P2). The driving method includes: In clock display mode, the control panel is made to reflect ambient light throughout, and the electrochromic device (60) is made to be transparent in the bright stroke area and the mark pattern area (610) of the clock pattern area (630) and opaque in the dark stroke area and the non-mark pattern area (620) of the clock pattern area (630). Alternatively, in clock display mode, the entire display panel is controlled to reflect ambient light, and the electrochromic device (60) is controlled to be transparent in the bright stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area (630) and opaque in the dark stroke area of ​​the clock pattern area (630), the logo pattern area (610) and the non-logo pattern area (620).

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