Privacy structure, manufacturing method thereof, display panel and display device
By employing a privacy protection structure comprising a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer in OLED display products, dynamic partitioned privacy protection is achieved, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing the viewing angle to be adjusted as needed, thus solving the problem of dynamic privacy protection being difficult to achieve in existing technologies.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEFEI VISIONOX TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing OLED display products are difficult to implement dynamic partitioned privacy protection, and their manufacturing costs are high.
An anti-spy structure is adopted, which includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer and a second electrode layer. The electrochromic layer is composed of multiple spaced electrochromic blocks. Each sub-anti-spy structure is independently controlled by a driving circuit to achieve dynamic partitioned anti-spying and reduce manufacturing costs by using transparent materials.
It achieves dynamic real-time control of the privacy zone, reduces manufacturing costs, and can adjust the viewing angle as needed to ensure that users within the viewing angle can clearly see the image, while users outside the viewing angle cannot see it, thus providing a dynamic partitioned privacy effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN119960242B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a privacy protection structure and its manufacturing method, a display panel, and a display device. Background Technology
[0002] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are widely used in various consumer electronics products such as mobile phones, televisions, laptops, and desktop computers due to their advantages such as high image quality, energy saving, thin body, and wide range of applications, becoming the mainstream display panel.
[0003] As personal privacy protection becomes increasingly important, some existing OLED display products have strict control over the direction of light emission, thus requiring the integration of privacy protection structures into the display products. However, existing privacy protection displays struggle to achieve dynamic privacy protection. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The main technical problem addressed by this application is to provide a privacy protection structure that can achieve dynamic partitioned privacy protection while reducing manufacturing costs.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a privacy protection structure, including a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer; the first electrode layer is a continuous film layer; the electrochromic layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks, the electrochromic blocks being disposed on one side of the first electrode layer; the second electrode layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart second sub-electrodes, the second sub-electrodes being disposed on the side of the electrochromic blocks facing away from the first electrode layer, the second sub-electrodes, their corresponding electrochromic blocks, and the first electrode layer forming the sub-privacy protection structure.
[0006] Preferably, the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode on the first electrode layer covers the orthographic projection of the electrochromic block on the first electrode layer.
[0007] Preferably, the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block away from the first electrode layer onto the first electrode layer covers the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block close to the first electrode layer onto the first electrode layer.
[0008] Preferably, the width of the electrochromic patch gradually narrows in the direction from the second electrode layer to the first electrode layer.
[0009] Preferably, the electrochromic block has an inverted trapezoidal cross-section, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the first electrode layer.
[0010] Preferably, the thickness of the electrochromic block is greater than or equal to 1 μm.
[0011] Preferably, the electrochromic layer is made of organic materials, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are made of inorganic materials.
[0012] Preferably, the electrochromic block includes a light-transmitting state and a light-blocking state.
[0013] Preferably, the material of the electrochromic layer includes polythiophene and its derivatives, violet, etc.
[0014] Preferably, the material of the first electrode layer includes a transparent material; and / or, the material of the second electrode layer includes a transparent material.
[0015] Preferably, the material of the first electrode is the same as the material of the second electrode.
[0016] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: providing a display panel, including a substrate, a light-emitting layer, a plurality of privacy shield structures as described above, and a plurality of driving circuits. The light-emitting layer is disposed on one side of the substrate, and includes a plurality of spaced-apart light-emitting units; the privacy shield structures are disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer opposite to the substrate, and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the light-emitting units on the substrate is offset from the orthographic projection of the privacy shield structures on the substrate; the plurality of driving circuits are respectively electrically connected to the privacy shield structures, and are used to apply a voltage to the privacy shield structures to cause the corresponding electrochromic blocks to change color.
[0017] Preferably, the first electrode layer is located on the side of the electrochromic layer closest to the substrate.
[0018] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a display device, including the display panel described in any embodiment.
[0019] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is: a method for manufacturing a privacy screen structure, comprising: forming a first electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer is a continuous film layer; forming an electrochromic layer on one side of the first electrode layer; forming a second electrode layer on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the first electrode layer; wherein the electrochromic layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks, the second electrode layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart second sub-electrodes, and the second sub-electrodes, together with their corresponding electrochromic blocks and the first electrode layer, form the sub-privacy screen structure.
[0020] Preferably, the step of forming a second electrode layer on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the first electrode layer includes: forming a full-surface electrochromic material layer on one side of the first electrode layer; forming a full-surface second electrode material layer on the side of the electrochromic material layer opposite to the first electrode layer; forming a patterned photoresist on the side of the second electrode material layer opposite to the first electrode layer; etching the second electrode material layer using the patterned photoresist as a mask to form a second electrode layer including spaced-apart second sub-electrodes; and etching the electrochromic material layer using the second sub-electrodes as a mask to form an electrochromic layer including a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks.
[0021] Preferably, the step of etching the electrochromic material layer using the second sub-electrode as a mask to form an electrochromic layer comprising a plurality of spaced electrochromic blocks further includes: simultaneously removing the patterned photoresist.
[0022] Preferably, the second sub-electrode is formed by wet etching, and / or the electrochromic block is formed by dry etching.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike existing technologies, the privacy screen structure provided in this application includes multiple spaced sub-privacy screen structures. Since each sub-privacy screen structure has an independent electrochromic block and a second sub-electrode, each sub-privacy screen structure can be individually controlled by a driving circuit to achieve zoned privacy. When the driving circuit applies voltage to the second sub-electrode and the first electrode layer of some or all of the sub-privacy screen structures, the transparency of the electrochromic block in that part decreases, for example, becoming completely black, reducing light transmittance. Sub-privacy screen structures without applied voltage maintain higher transparency, allowing light to pass through with higher transmittance, thereby achieving dynamic real-time control of the privacy area and the privacy state. The color-changing sub-privacy screen structure narrows the light emission angle. After light passes through the color-changing sub-privacy screen structure, the display area in that part has a narrower viewing angle. Users within the viewing angle range can clearly see the display, while users outside the viewing angle range cannot see the display, thus achieving privacy. Simultaneously, the first electrode layer is a continuous film layer, requiring no patterning, which facilitates formation, simplifies the fabrication process, and reduces fabrication costs. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the privacy screen structure of this application;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the display panel of this application;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the privacy screen structure of this application;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display panel of this application;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the method for manufacturing the privacy screen structure of this application;
[0029] Figures 6a-6e This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the privacy protection structure of this application;
[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of step S120. Detailed Implementation
[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this application clearer and more explicit, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0032] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the privacy screen structure of this application. The privacy screen structure 10 includes a first electrode layer 11, an electrochromic layer 12, and a second electrode layer 13, which are sequentially stacked along a first direction Z. The first electrode layer 11 is a continuous film layer, that is, the first electrode layer 11 is the common electrode layer of all sub-privacy screen structures 101. The electrochromic layer 12 includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks 121, which are disposed on one side of the first electrode layer 11; the second electrode layer 13 includes a plurality of spaced-apart second sub-electrodes 131, which are disposed on the side of the electrochromic blocks 121 opposite to the first electrode layer 11. The second sub-electrodes 131, their corresponding electrochromic blocks 121, and the first electrode layer 11 form the sub-privacy screen structure 10. Specifically, the material of the first electrode layer 11 includes a transparent material, and the material of the second electrode layer 13 includes a transparent material. Optionally, the material of the first electrode and the material of the second electrode are the same, for example, both can be indium tin oxide (ITO) to ensure light transmittance.
[0033] The privacy screen structure 10 provided in this application includes multiple spaced-apart sub-privacy screen structures 101. Since each sub-privacy screen structure 101 has an independent electrochromic block 121 and a second sub-electrode 131, each sub-privacy screen structure 101 can be individually controlled by a driving circuit to achieve zoned privacy. When the driving circuit applies voltage to the second sub-electrode 131 and the first electrode layer 11 of part or all of the sub-privacy screen structures 101, the transparency of the electrochromic block 121 in that part decreases, for example, becoming completely black, reducing the light transmittance. Meanwhile, the sub-privacy screen structures 101 without applied voltage maintain higher transparency, allowing light to pass through the sub-privacy screen structures 101 with higher transmittance, thereby achieving dynamic real-time privacy area and privacy state control. The color-changing privacy screen structure 101 narrows the light emission angle. After light passes through the color-changing privacy screen structure 101, the display area has a narrower viewing angle. Users within the viewing angle range (i.e., directly facing the display panel) can clearly see the display, while users outside the viewing angle range (i.e., sideways to the display panel) cannot see the display, thus achieving privacy protection. Simultaneously, the first electrode layer 11 is a continuous film layer, requiring no patterning, which facilitates its formation, simplifies the fabrication process, and reduces fabrication costs.
[0034] Optionally, continue reading Figure 1 The orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode 131 onto the first electrode layer 11 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrochromic block 121 onto the first electrode layer 11. Preferably, the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode 131 onto the first electrode layer 11 completely coincides with the orthographic projection of the electrochromic block 121. This structure allows the second sub-electrode 131 to serve as a mask for the electrochromic layer 12, enabling the fabrication of the electrochromic block 121 and achieving the patterning of the privacy screen structure 10. The specific fabrication process is described below.
[0035] Optionally, the electrochromic layer 12 may be made of organic materials, while the first electrode layer 11 and the second electrode layer 13 may be made of inorganic materials. Specifically, the electrochromic layer 12 may be made of polythiophene and its derivatives, violet, etc. These materials are organic electrochromic materials, which facilitate the formation of a patterned electrochromic layer 12 through etching.
[0036] The privacy structure 10 provided in this application can be applied to a display panel or formed separately on other structures, such as on a glass panel, to be applied to automotive light curtains or architectural glass to achieve privacy protection.
[0037] See Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present application. The display panel 100 applies the privacy screen structure 10 from any of the above embodiments. The display panel 100 includes a substrate 20, an array layer 30, a light-emitting layer 40, an encapsulation layer 50, and the privacy screen structure 10. The light-emitting layer 40 is disposed on the side of the array layer 30 facing away from the substrate 20. The light-emitting layer 40 includes a plurality of spaced-apart light-emitting units 401, and includes an anode, a light-emitting material layer, and a cathode (not shown) stacked sequentially. The encapsulation layer 50 is disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer 40 facing away from the substrate 20. The encapsulation layer 50 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 501, an organic encapsulation layer 502, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 503 stacked sequentially along a first direction Z. The privacy screen structure 10 is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer 50 facing away from the substrate 20, and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 401 on the substrate 20 is offset from the orthographic projection of the privacy screen structure 101 on the substrate 20. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 401 on the substrate 20 and the orthographic projection of the sub-peeping structure 101 on the substrate 20 are spaced apart. The array layer 30 has multiple driving circuits (not shown), each electrically connected to the first electrode layer 11 and the second sub-electrode 131 of the sub-peeping structure 101, for applying a voltage to the sub-peeping structure 101 to cause the corresponding electrochromic block 121 to change color. The driving circuit can be electrically connected to one or more TFT switches, which in turn are electrically connected to the electrochromic layer 12 to determine whether to provide an operating voltage signal to the electrochromic layer 12.
[0038] This application achieves a narrowing of the viewing angle of the display panel 100 by setting a sub-spy structure 101 between the light-emitting units 401, while ensuring that light can effectively pass through the privacy structure 10 within the viewing angle range, so that users within the range can clearly see the display screen.
[0039] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the privacy screen structure of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the display panel of this application. In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block 12 away from the first electrode layer 11 onto the first electrode layer 11 covers the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block 12 close to the first electrode layer 11 onto the first electrode layer 11, that is, the electrochromic block 12 has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Further, in the direction from the second electrode layer 13 to the first electrode layer 11, the width of the electrochromic block 121 gradually narrows. Specifically, the cross-section of the electrochromic block 121 is an inverted trapezoid, and the thickness of the electrochromic block 121 is greater than or equal to 1 μm (specifically 1.0 μm, 1.5 μm, etc.).
[0040] like Figure 4As shown by arrow A, when the electrochromic block 12 is in a transparent state, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 401 leaves the encapsulation layer 50 and enters the air, then enters the electrochromic block 12. Since the refractive index of the electrochromic block 12 is usually greater than that of air, when the exit angle of the light is large, refraction occurs on the side of the electrochromic block 12 (i.e., the interface with air), and the exit angle is smaller than the incident angle, thus achieving light focusing. Figure 4 As indicated by arrow B, light rays with smaller emission angles pass directly through the space between the electrochromic blocks 12 and are emitted directly. For example... Figure 4 As shown by arrow C, when the electrochromic block 12 is in a light-blocking state, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 401 leaves the encapsulation layer 50 and enters the air, and is then absorbed by the electrochromic block 12, thus achieving privacy protection.
[0041] This application also provides a display device, including the display panel 100 in any embodiment. The display device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable smart device, etc.
[0042] See Figure 5 and Figures 6a-6e , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the method for manufacturing the privacy screen structure of this application. Figures 6a-6e This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the privacy protection structure of this application.
[0043] Step S110: Form the first electrode layer 11, such as Figure 6a As shown. The first electrode layer 11 can be deposited on various substrates (not shown), for example, the first electrode layer 11 can be formed on a glass substrate, or on a substrate... Figure 2 The first electrode layer 11 is on the encapsulation layer 50 of the display panel 100 shown. The first electrode layer 11 is a continuous film layer, or patterned electrodes, such as spaced first sub-electrodes, can be formed by etching after the continuous film layer is formed.
[0044] Step S120: An electrochromic layer 12 is formed on one side of the first electrode layer 11. The electrochromic layer 12 is formed on the side of the first electrode layer 11 away from the substrate. The electrochromic material can be coated on the first electrode layer 11 first, and then cured by UV or heat.
[0045] Step S130: A second electrode layer 13 is formed on the side of the electrochromic layer 12 opposite to the first electrode layer 11. The second electrode layer 13 is deposited on the electrochromic layer 12, and this film can be patterned.
[0046] The electrochromic layer 12 includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks 121, and the second electrode layer 13 includes a plurality of spaced-apart second sub-electrodes 131. The second sub-electrodes 131, their corresponding electrochromic blocks 121, and the first electrode layer 11 form a sub-spy screen structure 101. Optionally, in the direction from the second electrode layer 13 to the first electrode layer 11, the width of the electrochromic block 121 gradually narrows, forming an inverted trapezoid. The electrochromic block 121 can be formed before or after step S130.
[0047] Optionally, see Figure 7 and Figures 6a-6e , Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of step S120. Step S120 includes:
[0048] Step S121: Form a full-surface electrochromic material layer 120 on one side of the first electrode layer 11, such as... Figure 6b As shown.
[0049] Step S122: A second electrode material layer 130 is formed on the side of the electrochromic material layer 120 opposite to the first electrode layer 11, as shown in the example. Figure 6c As shown.
[0050] Step S123: A patterned photoresist 14 is formed on the side of the second electrode material layer 130 opposite to the first electrode layer 11, such as... Figure 6d As shown. Optionally, when the privacy screen structure 10 is disposed on the display panel 100, the photoresist 14 can be correspondingly disposed between the light-emitting units 401, and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the photoresist 14 on the substrate 20 is offset from the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 401 on the substrate 20. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the photoresist 14 on the substrate 20 and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 401 on the substrate 20 are spaced apart. Specifically, a full-surface photoresist material layer can be formed on the second electrode material layer 130 first, and then a plurality of spaced photoresist 14 can be formed by etching.
[0051] Step S124: Using patterned photoresist 14 as a mask, etch the second electrode material layer 130 to form a second electrode layer 13 including spaced second sub-electrodes 131. That is, the second electrode material layer 130 corresponding to the area between the photoresist 14 is removed by etching, leaving the second electrode material layer 130 under the photoresist 14. Specifically, the second sub-electrodes 131 can be formed by wet etching.
[0052] Step S125: Using the second sub-electrode 131 as a mask, etch the electrochromic material layer 120 to form an electrochromic layer 12 comprising a plurality of spaced electrochromic blocks 121, forming as shown in the figure. Figure 1The structure shown is as follows. Specifically, the electrochromic block 121 is formed by dry etching. Since both the electrochromic material and the photoresist 14 are organic materials, this step can remove both the electrochromic material and the photoresist 14 simultaneously.
[0053] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of this patent application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.
Claims
1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: Substrate; A light-emitting layer is disposed on one side of the substrate, and the light-emitting layer includes a plurality of light-emitting units spaced apart. Multiple privacy protection structures are disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer opposite to the substrate, and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate is offset from the orthographic projection of the privacy protection structure on the substrate; The privacy protection structure includes: First electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer is a continuous film layer; An electrochromic layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrochromic blocks, wherein the electrochromic blocks are disposed on one side of the first electrode layer; The second electrode layer includes a plurality of spaced-apart second sub-electrodes. The second sub-electrodes are disposed on the side of the electrochromic block away from the first electrode layer. The second sub-electrodes, the corresponding electrochromic block, and the first electrode layer form the privacy protection structure. In this configuration, the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block away from the first electrode layer onto the first electrode layer overlaps the orthographic projection of the surface of the electrochromic block closer to the first electrode layer onto the first electrode layer; the width of the electrochromic block gradually narrows in the direction from the second electrode layer to the first electrode layer; the cross-section of the electrochromic block is inverted trapezoidal, wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the first electrode layer; when light enters the electrochromic block from its side, the refractive index of the electrochromic block is greater than the refractive index of air, and the light enters the electrochromic block through the air, with the exit angle of the light being smaller than the incident angle, thereby achieving light focusing; wherein the first electrode layer is located on the side of the electrochromic layer closer to the substrate; wherein the material of the first electrode layer is the same as the material of the second electrode layer; Multiple driving circuits are electrically connected to the privacy structure, respectively, for applying voltage to the privacy structure to cause the corresponding electrochromic block to change color; An encapsulation layer is disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the substrate. The encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer stacked sequentially along a first direction. The privacy shield structure is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate. The first inorganic encapsulation layers are spaced apart and encapsulate the light-emitting unit.
2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode onto the first electrode layer overlaps the orthographic projection of the electrochromic block onto the first electrode layer.
3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the electrochromic block is greater than or equal to 1 μm.
4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic layer is made of organic materials, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are made of inorganic materials. The electrochromic block includes a light-transmitting state and a light-blocking state; The materials of the electrochromic layer include polythiophene and its derivatives, violet, etc.
5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first electrode layer includes a transparent material; the material of the second electrode layer includes a transparent material.
6. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.