A method for manufacturing color electronic paper, color electronic paper, and a color display device.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, the color electronic paper itself, and a color display device. The method for manufacturing the color electronic paper includes the following steps: fabricating a driving layer, the driving layer comprising multiple driving pixel units; fabricating a capsule filter layer on the surface of the driving layer; the capsule filter layer comprising multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit corresponding to a pixel electrode; each capsule filter unit comprising a color photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled within the color photoresist, the multiple capsule filter units forming an R, G, B three-color pattern; fabricating a transparent electrode layer on the surface of the capsule filter layer; and fabricating a transparent substrate or a waterproof layer on the surface of the transparent electrode layer. This invention combines the color filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one, reducing the total thickness of the color filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer, avoiding color shift phenomena, and possessing the advantages of low light resistance and high resolution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrophoretic display technology, and in particular to a method for manufacturing colored electronic paper, colored electronic paper, and a colored display device. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic paper, with its advantages of repeated rewriting and low power consumption, is widely used in applications such as electronic tags, billboards, and e-readers. Early electronic paper displays could only display black and white; how to make electronic paper displays color has been a problem that people have been working to solve.

[0003] There are currently two methods for manufacturing color electronic paper display modules:

[0004] I. Covering a black-and-white electronic paper with a color filter. Traditional encapsulation electronic paper colorization involves bonding an electronic ink film to the TFT driving array substrate, and then fabricating a color filter on top of the electronic ink film by bonding or printing. Electronic ink capsules are a reflective display technology. Traditional electronic ink capsule colorization involves ambient light passing through the color filter layer, then reflecting off the capsule layer, and then passing through the color filter layer again. This process results in two light losses and is prone to color shift issues. Therefore, covering a black-and-white electronic paper with a color filter structure results in color shift due to the high thickness between the filter layer and the electronic ink layer, limiting the amount of photoresist and leading to poor resolution.

[0005] Second, the electronic paper capsule contains multi-color particles. The disadvantages of this structure are: the manufacturing process is complex, and currently only three-color electronic paper with black and white plus another color (such as black and white red or black and white blue) is available. It is still unable to quickly and effectively display complex color images, and mass production is difficult.

[0006] Since the charged particles of various colors currently under development cannot display complex color images, only the method of filtering can be used to prepare color electronic paper. However, the traditional bonding method causes color deviation due to the excessive thickness between the filter and the capsule, which prevents the light resistance from being reduced and results in poor resolution.

[0007] At the same time, none of the above methods of manufacturing electronic paper can avoid the problem of low material utilization caused by cutting electronic paper, and cannot effectively reduce costs.

[0008] To avoid the problem of low material utilization and inability to manufacture large-size display devices due to traditional cutting methods, some researchers have started with the substrate and developed a matching display module manufacturing method:

[0009] One method involves directly coating and curing a frame adhesive around the perimeter of the TFT driver backplane, then covering the frame adhesive with a transparent conductive layer to form a box. After that, a fluid microcapsule electrophoretic display material is infused into the box using a capillary tube, and finally cured to produce an electronic paper display device.

[0010] Another method involves coating a padding frame onto the driver backplane, then applying an electronic ink capsule using a dispensing machine, drying and curing it, applying conductive silver paste, pressing the upper transparent electrode together, then using laser cutting to expose the IC bonding position, and finally dispensing and encapsulating it to form an electronic paper display module.

[0011] The above methods represent a significant improvement over traditional methods, but the processes are complex. While laser cutting on the base plate after lamination can achieve the desired pattern, it is difficult to cut without damaging the circuitry. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention provides a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, color electronic paper, and a color display device. By combining the color filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one, the total thickness of the color filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer is reduced, avoiding color deviation. It has the advantages of low light resistance and high resolution, and solves the problem of low resolution in existing color electronic paper.

[0013] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, comprising the following steps:

[0015] A driving layer is fabricated, the driving layer comprising multiple driving pixel units;

[0016] A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the driving layer; the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit; each capsule filter unit includes colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist; the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern;

[0017] A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of the capsule filter layer;

[0018] A transparent substrate or a waterproof layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, comprising the following steps:

[0020] A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of a transparent substrate;

[0021] A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer; the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist; the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern;

[0022] The capsule filter layer is attached to the surface of the driving layer, which includes multiple driving pixel units, with each capsule filter unit corresponding to a pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the black and white electronic ink capsule includes an electrophoretic solution and black pigment particles and white pigment particles disposed within the electrophoretic solution.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fabrication of the capsule filter layer specifically involves:

[0025] Black and white electronic ink capsules are mixed with red, green, and blue photoresist respectively to obtain red capsule filter coatings, green capsule filter coatings, and blue capsule filter coatings. The red, green, and blue capsule filter coatings are then coated, photolithographically patterned, and cured to obtain multiple red capsule filter units, multiple green capsule filter units, and multiple blue capsule filter units. The multiple red, green, and blue capsule filter units constitute an R, G, B three-color pattern.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fabrication process of the red capsule filter unit during the fabrication of the capsule filter layer includes:

[0027] The red photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a red capsule filter coating;

[0028] The red capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a red capsule filter coating.

[0029] The red capsule filter coating is patterned to obtain a patterned red capsule filter coating.

[0030] The patterned red capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned red capsule filter coating and obtain the red capsule filter unit.

[0031] The patterning process specifically involves: covering the red capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed red capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating.

[0032] The patterning process may involve: covering the red capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the red capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed red capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fabrication process of the green capsule filter unit during the fabrication of the capsule filter layer includes:

[0034] The green photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a green capsule light-filtering coating;

[0035] The green capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a green capsule filter coating.

[0036] Patterning is performed on the green capsule filter coating to obtain patterned green capsules:

[0037] The patterned green capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned green capsule filter coating, thus obtaining a green capsule filter unit;

[0038] The patterning process specifically involves: covering the green capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the coating with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed green capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating.

[0039] The patterning process may involve: covering the green capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the location where the green capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the location where the green capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the green capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed green capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fabrication process of the blue capsule filter unit during the fabrication of the capsule filter layer includes:

[0041] The blue photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a blue capsule filter coating;

[0042] The blue capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a blue capsule filter coating.

[0043] The blue capsule filter coating is patterned to obtain a patterned blue capsule filter coating:

[0044] The patterned blue capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned blue capsule filter coating and obtain a blue capsule filter unit;

[0045] The patterning process specifically involves: covering the blue capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the area where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the area where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the coating with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed blue capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating.

[0046] The patterning process may involve: covering the blue capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the location where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the location where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the blue capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed blue capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating.

[0047] In some embodiments, before fabricating the capsule filter layer, a black matrix layer is first fabricated on the driving layer. The black matrix layer includes matrix stripes and a first region, a second region, and a third region isolated by the matrix stripes.

[0048] The red capsule filter unit is disposed in the first region of the black matrix layer, the green capsule filter unit is disposed in the second region of the black matrix layer, and the blue capsule filter unit is disposed in the third region of the black matrix layer. The red capsule filter unit, the green capsule filter unit, and the blue capsule filter unit are isolated from each other by the matrix stripes.

[0049] One embodiment of the present invention provides a color electronic paper, comprising:

[0050] The driving layer includes a plurality of driving pixel units;

[0051] A capsule filter layer is disposed on the surface of the driving layer. The capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units. Each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit. Each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist. The multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern.

[0052] A transparent electrode layer is disposed on the surface of the capsule filter layer; and

[0053] A protective layer is disposed on the surface of the transparent electrode layer.

[0054] In some embodiments, the protective layer is a transparent substrate or a waterproof layer.

[0055] In some embodiments, the color electronic paper further includes an adhesive layer, wherein the driving layer and the color filter layer are bonded together by the adhesive layer.

[0056] One embodiment of the present invention provides a color display module, including the aforementioned color electronic paper.

[0057] In some embodiments, the packaging process of the color display module is as follows: a ring of sealing adhesive is applied around the color electronic paper and cured, and finally a protective layer is attached and hot-pressed to complete the packaging of the color display module.

[0058] Compared with the prior art, the color electronic paper and its manufacturing method provided in this invention have the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0059] (1) The color electronic paper of the present invention comprises a capsule filter layer including multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a color photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the color photoresist, thus combining the color filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one. Compared with the traditional method of bonding the filter layer and the microcapsule layer together, the total thickness of the filter layer and the capsule layer can be made smaller, thereby solving the color shift phenomenon caused by the excessive total thickness of the traditional filter layer and capsule layer, thus enabling the prepared color electronic paper to have better resolution; and greatly reducing the loss of light transmission and reflection, which can improve the effect of color display.

[0060] (2) The traditional method of colorizing electronic paper requires high-precision bonding of color filters or high-precision alignment and printing of color filter layers onto electronic ink layers, which has a limit to high-resolution colorization. However, the method of making color electronic paper of the present invention mixes multiple black and white electronic ink capsules of color photoresist into a coating and uses photolithography to make capsule filter layers. On the one hand, it simplifies the process steps; on the other hand, due to the maturity of photolithography materials and equipment, the current process has reached the nanoscale patterning process, which far exceeds the traditional micron-level bonding or printing of color filter layers. Thus, the color electronic paper made by the present invention has high resolution.

[0061] (3) The method for manufacturing the color electronic paper of the present invention involves mixing multiple black and white electronic ink capsules of color photoresist into a coating, printing it onto a substrate using a coating method, and then using a photolithography process to fabricate the capsule filter layer. This avoids the problem of low material utilization caused by cutting electronic paper in traditional methods, and also eliminates the need for a barrier, thus reducing the difficulty of the process. The capsule filter layer can also be fabricated on a transparent electrode layer, cut to the same size as the ink layer, and bonded to the TFT array substrate using an alignment bonding method. The capsule filter unit is aligned vertically with the driving pixel unit below. During encapsulation, a ring of sealing adhesive is applied around the color electronic paper and cured. Finally, a protective layer is applied and hot-pressed to complete the encapsulation of the color display module. The present invention simplifies the manufacturing process of color electronic paper and the encapsulation process of the color display module, reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the driver layer structure created in the process;

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the capsule filter layer fabricated in the process;

[0065] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent electrode layer fabricated in the process;

[0066] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent substrate fabricated in the process;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent electrode layer fabricated in the process;

[0069] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the capsule filter layer fabricated in the process;

[0070] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure after the capsule filter layer is attached to the surface of the driving layer;

[0071] Figure 10 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first step of the red capsule filter unit in the image;

[0072] Figure 11 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the red capsule filter unit in the image;

[0073] Figure 12 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the third step of the red capsule filter unit in the image;

[0074] Figure 13 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first step of the green capsule filter unit in the image;

[0075] Figure 14 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the green capsule filter unit in the image;

[0076] Figure 15 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the third step of the green capsule filter unit in the image;

[0077] Figure 16 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first step of the blue capsule filter unit in the image;

[0078] Figure 17 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the blue capsule filter unit in the image;

[0079] Figure 18 To make Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the third step of the blue capsule filter unit in the image;

[0080] Figure 19 Fabrication provided for another embodiment Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the red capsule filter unit in the image;

[0081] Figure 20 Fabrication provided for another embodiment Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the green capsule filter unit in the image;

[0082] Figure 21 Fabrication provided for another embodiment Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second step of the green capsule filter unit in the image;

[0083] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the structure of the black matrix layer fabricated according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a color electronic paper structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a colored electronic paper structure provided for another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] Please see Figure 1 One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, comprising the following steps:

[0088] A driving layer is fabricated, the driving layer comprising multiple driving pixel units;

[0089] A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the driving layer; the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit; each capsule filter unit includes colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist, and the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern.

[0090] A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of the capsule filter layer;

[0091] A transparent substrate or a waterproof layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer.

[0092] In the color electronic paper manufacturing method provided in the above embodiments, the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist, thus combining the colored filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one. Compared with the traditional method of bonding the filter and the microcapsule layer together, the thickness of the filter layer and the capsule layer can be made smaller, thereby solving the color shift phenomenon caused by the excessive total thickness of the traditional filter and capsule layer, resulting in better resolution of the prepared color electronic paper; and greatly reducing the loss of light transmission and reflection, which can improve the color display effect.

[0093] The following specific embodiment will be used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the color electronic paper.

[0094] Please see also Figure 2 A driving layer 110 is fabricated. The driving layer 110 includes a plurality of driving pixel units, each driving unit having a pixel electrode 111. In this embodiment, the driving layer 110 is a TFT driving array.

[0095] Please see also Figure 3A capsule filter layer 120 is fabricated on the surface of the driving layer 110. The capsule filter layer 120 includes multiple capsule filter units, each corresponding one-to-one with a pixel electrode 111 of each driving pixel unit. Each capsule filter unit includes a color photoresist 121 and multiple black-and-white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within the color photoresist 121. The color photoresist 121 includes red photoresist 1211, green photoresist 1212, and blue photoresist 1213. The red photoresist 1211 and the black-and-white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within it form a red capsule filter unit A1. The green photoresist 1212 and the black-and-white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within it form a green capsule filter unit A2. The blue photoresist 1213 and the black-and-white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within it form a blue capsule filter unit A3. The black and white electronic ink capsule 122 includes an electrophoretic solution 1221 and black and white pigment particles 1222 and 1223 disposed within the electrophoretic solution 1221, wherein the black and white particles have opposite charge polarities. By controlling the voltage applied to the pixel electrode 111 and the common electrode of the driving pixel unit, the absorption of ambient light by the black particles or the reflection of ambient light by the white particles can be controlled. When the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 reflects ambient light, the electronic paper display can be realized. When the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 absorbs ambient light, the electronic paper display shows black. In this embodiment, the colorization of the color electronic paper is achieved through the capsule filter layer 120. When the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 reflects ambient light, the reflected light passes through the capsule filter layer 120, thus realizing the colorized display. For example, when the photoresist in the capsule filter unit is red, reflected light passing through the red filter material will become red light; when the photoresist in the capsule filter unit is green, reflected light passing through the green filter material will become green light; and when the photoresist in the capsule filter unit is blue, reflected light passing through the blue filter material will become blue light. By mixing red, green, and blue light, colorization of the electronic paper display pattern can be achieved.

[0096] Please see also Figure 4A transparent electrode layer 130 is formed on the surface of the capsule filter layer 120. In this embodiment, the transparent electrode layer 130 is a common electrode. As described above, by controlling the voltage applied to the pixel electrode 111 of the driving pixel unit and the transparent electrode layer 130, the absorption of ambient light by black particles or the reflection of ambient light by white particles can be controlled. In this embodiment, the transparent electrode layer 130 is made of an ITO thin film. If necessary, the transparent electrode layer 130 can also be made of other conductive thin films.

[0097] Please see also Figure 5 A transparent substrate 140 is prepared as a protective layer on the surface of the transparent electrode layer 130.

[0098] In other embodiments, the transparent substrate 140 may be replaced with a waterproof layer.

[0099] Understandably, the methods for manufacturing color electronic paper are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0100] Please see Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing color electronic paper, comprising the following steps:

[0101] A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of a transparent substrate;

[0102] A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer. The capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black-and-white electronic ink capsules filled within the colored photoresist. The multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, and B three-color pattern.

[0103] The capsule filter layer is attached to the surface of the driving layer, which includes multiple driving pixel units; each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit.

[0104] Similarly, in the color electronic paper manufacturing method provided in the above embodiments, the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist, combining the colored filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one. Compared with the traditional method of bonding the filter and microcapsule layer together, the thickness of the filter layer and capsule layer can be made smaller, thereby solving the color shift phenomenon caused by the excessive total thickness of the traditional filter and capsule layer, thus enabling the prepared color electronic paper to have better resolution; and greatly reducing the loss of light transmission and reflection, which can improve the color display effect.

[0105] The following specific embodiment will be used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the color electronic paper.

[0106] Please see also Figure 7 A transparent electrode layer 130 is fabricated on the surface of a transparent substrate 140.

[0107] Please see also Figure 8 A capsule filter layer 120 is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer 130. The capsule filter layer 120 includes multiple capsule filter units, each including a colored photoresist 121 and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within the colored photoresist 121. Each black and white electronic ink capsule 122 includes an electrophoretic solution 1221 and black and white pigment particles 1222 and 1223 disposed within the electrophoretic solution 1221, the black and white particles having opposite charge polarities.

[0108] Please see also Figure 9 The capsule filter layer 120 is attached to the surface of the driving layer 110, which includes a plurality of driving pixel units; the red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2 and the blue capsule filter unit A3 correspond one-to-one with different pixel electrodes 111.

[0109] In this embodiment, the red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue capsule filter unit A3 each correspond one-to-one with different pixel electrodes 111. That is, the projection of the red capsule filter unit A1 onto the horizontal plane coincides with or partially coincides with the projection of its corresponding pixel electrode 111 onto the horizontal plane. At this time, by applying a voltage between the corresponding pixel electrode 111 and the transparent electrode layer 130, the black particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to absorb ambient light, or the white particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to reflect ambient light. The reflected ambient light passes through the red photoresist 1211, thereby generating red reflected light. Similarly, the projection of the green capsule filter unit A2 onto the horizontal plane coincides with or partially coincides with the projection of its corresponding pixel electrode 111 onto the horizontal plane. At this time, by applying a voltage between the corresponding pixel electrode 111 and the transparent electrode layer 130, the black particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to absorb ambient light, or the white particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to reflect ambient light. The reflected ambient light passes through the green photoresist 1212, thereby generating green reflected light. Similarly, the projection of the blue capsule filter unit A3 onto the horizontal plane coincides with or partially coincides with the projection of its corresponding pixel electrode 111 onto the horizontal plane. In this case, by applying a voltage between the corresponding pixel electrode 111 and the transparent electrode layer 130, the black particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to absorb ambient light, or the white particles in the black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 can be controlled to reflect ambient light. The reflected ambient light passes through the blue photoresist 1213, thereby generating blue reflected light.

[0110] In some embodiments, during the fabrication of the capsule filter layer 120

[0111] The red photoresist 1211 is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 to form a red capsule filter coating. The green photoresist 1212 is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 to form a green capsule filter coating. The blue photoresist 1213 is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 to form a blue capsule filter coating.

[0112] The red capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130 to obtain a red capsule filter coating. The red capsule filter coating is then patterned to form a patterned red capsule filter coating. The patterned red capsule filter coating is then cured to form the red capsule filter unit A1.

[0113] The green capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130 to obtain a green capsule filter coating. The green capsule filter coating is then patterned to form a patterned green capsule filter coating. The patterned green capsule filter coating is then cured to form the green capsule filter unit A2.

[0114] The blue capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130 to obtain a blue capsule filter coating. The blue capsule filter coating is then patterned to form a patterned blue capsule filter coating. The patterned blue capsule filter coating is then cured to form the blue capsule filter unit A3.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fabrication process of the red capsule filter unit A1 includes:

[0116] The red photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a red capsule filter coating;

[0117] See Figure 10 The red capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 to obtain a red capsule filter coating.

[0118] Please see together Figure 11 The red capsule filter coating is patterned by covering it with a first photomask 151. The first photomask 151 has a light-transmitting area 1511 and an opaque area 1512. The light-transmitting area 1511 covers the areas where the red capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area 1512 covers the areas where the red capsule filter coating needs to be removed. Ultraviolet light is used to expose the red capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area 1511.

[0119] Please see also Figure 12 The unexposed red capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating. The patterned red capsule filter coating is then baked to cure it, resulting in red capsule filter unit A1.

[0120] Understandably, the fabrication process of the green capsule filter unit A2 is similar, including:

[0121] The green photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a green capsule light-filtering coating;

[0122] Please see also Figure 13The green capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 and the surface of the red capsule filter unit A1 to obtain a green capsule filter coating.

[0123] Please see also Figure 14 The green capsule filter coating is patterned by covering the green capsule filter coating with a second photomask 152. The second photomask 152 has a light-transmitting area 1521 and an opaque area 1522. The light-transmitting area 1521 covers the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area 1522 covers the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be removed. The green capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area 1521 is exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0124] Please see also Figure 15 The unexposed green capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating; the patterned green capsule filter coating is then baked to cure the patterned green capsule filter coating, resulting in green capsule filter unit A2.

[0125] Understandably, the fabrication process of the blue capsule filter unit A3 is also similar, including:

[0126] The blue photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a blue capsule filter coating;

[0127] Please see also Figure 16 The blue capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer 110 and the surfaces of the red capsule filter unit A1 and the blue capsule filter unit A2 to obtain a blue capsule filter coating.

[0128] Please see also Figure 17 The blue capsule filter coating is patterned by covering it with a third photomask 153. The third photomask 153 has a light-transmitting area 1531 and an opaque area 1532. The light-transmitting area 1531 covers the areas where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area 1532 covers the areas where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be removed. Ultraviolet light is used to expose the blue capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting areas.

[0129] Please see also Figure 18 The unexposed blue capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating. The patterned blue capsule filter coating is then baked to cure it, resulting in blue capsule filter unit A3.

[0130] In this embodiment, the red photoresist 1211, the green photoresist 1212, and the blue photoresist 1213 are negative photoresists. The exposed portions of the negative photoresist are insoluble in the developer due to cross-linking and curing, while the unexposed portions are soluble in the developer, thus replicating the pattern opposite to that in the first photomask 151, the second photomask 152, and the third photomask 153 onto the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130.

[0131] Understandably, the photoresist 121 can also be made of positive photoresist. In some embodiments, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 19 During the patterning process of the red capsule filter coating, a first photomask 151 is placed over the red capsule filter coating. The first photomask 151 has a light-transmitting area 1511 and an opaque area 1512. Unlike the previous embodiment, the opaque area 1512 covers the area of ​​the red capsule filter coating that needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area 1511 covers the area of ​​the red capsule filter coating that needs to be removed. The red capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area 1511 is exposed to ultraviolet light, and then the exposed red capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating.

[0132] Similarly, please see Figure 20 During the patterning process of the green capsule filter coating, a second photomask 152 is placed over the green capsule filter coating. The second photomask 152 has a light-transmitting area 1521 and an opaque area 1522. Similarly, the opaque area 1522 covers the area of ​​the green capsule filter coating that needs to be retained. The light-transmitting area 1521 covers the area of ​​the green capsule filter coating that needs to be removed. The green capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area 1521 is exposed to ultraviolet light, and then the exposed green capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating.

[0133] Similarly, please see Figure 21 During the patterning process of the blue capsule filter coating, a third photomask 153 is placed over the blue capsule filter coating. The third photomask 153 has a light-transmitting area 1531 and an opaque area 1532. The opaque area 1532 covers the areas of the blue capsule filter coating that need to be retained. The light-transmitting area 1531 covers the areas of the blue capsule filter coating that need to be removed. The blue capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area is exposed to ultraviolet light, and then the exposed blue capsule filter coating is removed using a developer, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating.

[0134] In this embodiment, the red photoresist 1211, the green photoresist 1212, and the blue photoresist 1213 are positive photoresists. The exposed portion of the positive photoresist undergoes a photochemical reaction and dissolves in the developer, while the unexposed portion remains insoluble in the developer and remains on the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130. The same pattern as the first photomask 151, the second photomask 152, and the third photomask 153 is copied onto the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130.

[0135] In some embodiments, the process of curing the patterned red capsule filter coating specifically involves baking the patterned red capsule filter coating to cure it, wherein the baking temperature is greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius.

[0136] Similarly, the process of curing the patterned green capsule light filter coating specifically involves baking the patterned green capsule light filter coating to cure it, wherein the baking temperature is greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius.

[0137] Similarly, the process of curing the patterned blue capsule light filter coating specifically involves baking the patterned blue capsule light filter coating to cure it, wherein the baking temperature is greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius.

[0138] Through exposure, development, and curing processes, the red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue capsule filter unit A3 can be fabricated on the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130. In this embodiment, the direct mixing solution of the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 and the photoresist 121 is a photolithographic patterning process. Since current photolithography materials and equipment are relatively mature, nanoscale patterning technology has been achieved. Therefore, the resolution and analytical properties of the fabricated red capsule filter unit A1, green capsule filter unit A2, and blue capsule filter unit A3 far exceed those of traditional micron-level lamination or inkjet printing processes for color filter layers.

[0139] In some embodiments, see Figure 22 Before fabricating the capsule filter layer 120, a black matrix layer 160 is first fabricated on the driving layer 110 or the transparent electrode layer 130. The black matrix layer 160 includes matrix stripes 161 and a first region 162, a second region 163, and a third region 164 isolated by the matrix stripes 161.

[0140] The red capsule filter unit A1 is disposed in the first region 162 of the black matrix layer 160. The green capsule filter unit A2 is disposed in the second region 163 of the black matrix layer 160. The blue capsule filter unit A3 is disposed in the third region 164 of the black matrix layer 160. The red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue capsule filter unit A3 are isolated from each other by the matrix stripes 161.

[0141] In this embodiment, by setting the black matrix layer 160 and making the matrix stripes 161 of the black matrix layer 160 isolate the red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue capsule filter unit A3 from each other. The red reflected light passing through the red capsule filter unit A1, the green reflected light passing through the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue reflected light passing through the blue capsule filter unit A3 will mix better to form colored light.

[0142] In the above embodiments, the capsule filter layer, composed of a colored photoresist 121 and a black-and-white electronic ink capsule 122 containing electronic ink, is directly printed onto the corresponding driving layer 110 using a coating method. This direct photolithography patterning of the electronic ink filter layer eliminates the need for a barrier, reducing process complexity and avoiding the low material utilization caused by traditional methods of cutting electronic paper. Alternatively, the capsule filter layer can be fabricated on the transparent electrode layer 130, cut to the same size as the ink layer, and attached to the driving layer 110 using an alignment bonding method. This aligns the red capsule filter unit A1, the green capsule filter unit A2, and the blue capsule filter unit A3 with the pixel electrodes 111 of the driving layer 110 below. A ring of sealing adhesive is then applied around the electronic paper and cured. Finally, a protective layer is applied and hot-pressed to complete the encapsulation of the color electronic paper display module.

[0143] The color electronic paper produced by the above method, since the black and white electronic ink capsule 122 and the color photoresist 121 are directly mixed and coated, can not only avoid the color shift caused by the angle of light incidence, but also obtain high-resolution image quality by photolithography patterning because it is a solution of black and white electronic ink capsule and color photoresist directly mixed.

[0144] Please see Figure 23 One embodiment of the present invention also provides a color electronic paper 100, comprising:

[0145] A driving layer 110, comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes 111;

[0146] A capsule filter layer 120 is disposed on the surface of the driving layer 110. The capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist 121 and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules 122 filled in the colored photoresist 121. The black and white electronic ink capsules 122 include an electrophoretic solution 1221 and black and white pigment particles 1222 and 1223 disposed in the electrophoretic solution 1221; the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern;

[0147] A transparent electrode layer 130 is disposed on the surface of the capsule filter layer 120; and

[0148] A transparent substrate 140 is disposed on the surface of the transparent electrode layer 130. In some other embodiments, the transparent substrate 140 may be replaced with a waterproof layer.

[0149] Please see Figure 24 Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a color electronic paper 100, comprising:

[0150] Transparent substrate 140;

[0151] A transparent electrode layer 130 is disposed on the surface of the transparent substrate 140;

[0152] A capsule filter layer 120 is disposed on the surface of the transparent electrode layer 130. The capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units. Each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist 121 and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules 122 filled within the colored photoresist 121. Each black and white electronic ink capsule 122 includes an electrophoretic solution 1221 and black and white pigment particles 1222 and 1223 disposed within the electrophoretic solution 1221. The multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern.

[0153] A driving layer 110 is disposed on the surface of the capsule filter layer 120. The driving layer 110 includes a plurality of driving pixel units, each driving pixel unit including a pixel electrode 111. The driving layer 110 and the capsule filter layer 120 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 170, and each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode 111 of each driving pixel unit.

[0154] Compared with the prior art, the color electronic paper 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0155] The capsule filter layer of the color electronic paper comprises multiple capsule filter units; each capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled within the colored photoresist, integrating the colored filter layer and the electronic ink capsule layer into one. Compared to the traditional method of bonding the filter and microcapsule layer together, the total thickness of the filter layer and capsule layer can be made smaller, thus solving the color shift phenomenon caused by the excessive total thickness of the traditional filter and capsule layer. This results in better resolution for the prepared color electronic paper and significantly reduces light loss due to transmission and reflection, thereby improving the color display effect.

[0156] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a color display module, including the aforementioned color electronic paper 100. The encapsulation process is as follows: a ring of sealing adhesive is applied around the perimeter of the color electronic paper and cured, and finally a protective layer is attached and hot-pressed to complete the encapsulation of the color display module. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the color electronic paper and the encapsulation process of the color display module, and reduces costs.

[0157] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing color electronic paper, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A driving layer is fabricated, the driving layer comprising multiple driving pixel units; A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the driving layer; the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; Each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit; the capsule filter unit includes colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist; the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern; The specific steps for fabricating the capsule filter layer are as follows: Black and white electronic ink capsules were mixed with red, green, and blue photoresist respectively to obtain red capsule filter coatings, green capsule filter coatings, and blue capsule filter coatings, respectively. Red capsule filter coating, green capsule filter coating, and blue capsule filter coating are respectively coated, photolithographically patterned, and cured to obtain multiple red capsule filter units, multiple green capsule filter units, and multiple blue capsule filter units; the multiple red capsule filter units, multiple green capsule filter units, and multiple blue capsule filter units constitute an R, G, B three-color pattern; A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of the capsule filter layer; A transparent substrate or a waterproof layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer.

2. A method for manufacturing color electronic paper, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A transparent electrode layer is fabricated on the surface of a transparent substrate; A capsule filter layer is fabricated on the surface of the transparent electrode layer; the capsule filter layer includes multiple capsule filter units; The capsule filter unit includes a colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist; the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern. The specific steps for fabricating the capsule filter layer are as follows: Black and white electronic ink capsules were mixed with red, green, and blue photoresist respectively to obtain red capsule filter coatings, green capsule filter coatings, and blue capsule filter coatings, respectively. Red capsule filter coating, green capsule filter coating, and blue capsule filter coating are respectively coated, photolithographically patterned, and cured to obtain multiple red capsule filter units, multiple green capsule filter units, and multiple blue capsule filter units; the multiple red capsule filter units, multiple green capsule filter units, and multiple blue capsule filter units constitute an R, G, B three-color pattern; The capsule filter layer is attached to the surface of the driving layer, which includes multiple driving pixel units, with each capsule filter unit corresponding to a pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit.

3. The method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The black and white electronic ink capsule includes an electrophoretic solution and black pigment particles and white pigment particles disposed within the electrophoretic solution.

4. The method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabrication process of the red capsule filter unit in the capsule filter layer includes: The red photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a red capsule filter coating; The red capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a red capsule filter coating. The red capsule filter coating is patterned to obtain a patterned red capsule filter coating. The patterned red capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned red capsule filter coating and obtain the red capsule filter unit. The patterning process specifically involves: covering the red capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed red capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating. The patterning process may involve: covering the red capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the position where the red capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the red capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed red capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the red capsule filter coating.

5. The method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabrication process of the green capsule filter unit in the production of the capsule filter layer includes: The green photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a green capsule light-filtering coating; The green capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a green capsule filter coating. Patterning is performed on the green capsule filter coating to obtain patterned green capsules: The patterned green capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned green capsule filter coating, thus obtaining a green capsule filter unit; The patterning process specifically involves: covering the green capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the area where the green capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the coating with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed green capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating. The patterning process may involve: covering the green capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the location where the green capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the location where the green capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the green capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed green capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the green capsule filter coating.

6. The method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabrication process of the blue capsule filter unit in the process of creating the capsule filter layer includes: The blue photoresist is mixed with the black and white electronic ink capsule to form a blue capsule filter coating; The blue capsule filter coating is applied to the driving layer or the transparent electrode layer to obtain a blue capsule filter coating. The blue capsule filter coating is patterned to obtain a patterned blue capsule filter coating: The patterned blue capsule filter coating is baked at a temperature greater than or equal to 60 degrees Celsius to cure the patterned blue capsule filter coating and obtain a blue capsule filter unit; The patterning process specifically involves: covering the blue capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the light-transmitting area covering the area where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the opaque area covering the area where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the coating with ultraviolet light; and then using a developer to remove the unexposed blue capsule filter coating, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating. The patterning process may involve: covering the blue capsule filter coating with a first photomask, the first photomask having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area, the opaque area covering the location where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be retained, and the light-transmitting area covering the location where the blue capsule filter coating needs to be removed; exposing the blue capsule filter coating in the light-transmitting area with ultraviolet light; and then removing the exposed blue capsule filter coating with a developer, thereby patterning the blue capsule filter coating.

7. The method for manufacturing color electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before fabricating the capsule filter layer, a black matrix layer is first fabricated on the driving layer. The black matrix layer includes matrix stripes and a first region, a second region, and a third region isolated by the matrix stripes. The red capsule filter unit is disposed in the first region of the black matrix layer, the green capsule filter unit is disposed in the second region of the black matrix layer, and the blue capsule filter unit is disposed in the third region of the black matrix layer. The red capsule filter unit, the green capsule filter unit, and the blue capsule filter unit are isolated from each other by the matrix stripes.

8. The colored electronic paper prepared by the method of manufacturing colored electronic paper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: The driving layer includes a plurality of driving pixel units; A capsule filter layer is disposed on the surface of the driving layer, and the capsule filter layer includes a plurality of capsule filter units; Each capsule filter unit corresponds one-to-one with the pixel electrode of each driving pixel unit; the capsule filter unit includes colored photoresist and multiple black and white electronic ink capsules filled in the colored photoresist, and the multiple capsule filter units form an R, G, B three-color pattern. A transparent electrode layer is disposed on the surface of the capsule filter layer; as well as A protective layer is disposed on the surface of the transparent electrode layer.

9. A color display module, characterized in that, Including the color electronic paper as described in claim 8.

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