Display panel with switchable wide and narrow visual angles, display device and driving method

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, a display device and a driving method, the display panel comprises a dimming box and a display liquid crystal box which are arranged in a mutually stacked manner; first electrode strips of a first visual angle control electrode and second electrode strips of a second visual angle control electrode in the dimming box are distributed alternately and extend in the first direction, and the refractive index of a prism layer in the dimming box is equal to the refractive index of liquid crystal molecules in a first liquid crystal layer in a standing posture or a lying posture. A plurality of ribs of the prism layer are parallel to each other and extend along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The prism layer is matched with the first liquid crystal layer to achieve the wide-narrow view angle switching effect in the first direction, the first electrode strip and the second electrode strip are matched with the third view angle control electrode to achieve the wide-narrow view angle switching effect of the dimming box in the second direction, and therefore all-directional wide-narrow view angle switching can be achieved through a single dimming box. And the thickness of the display panel is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of displays, and in particular to a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, a display device, and a driving method. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous advancement of LCD technology, the viewing angle of displays has been widened from approximately 120° to over 160°. While people enjoy the visual experience brought by a wide viewing angle, they also want to effectively protect business secrets and personal privacy to avoid commercial losses or embarrassment caused by the leakage of screen information. Therefore, in addition to the demand for a wide viewing angle, many situations also require display devices to be able to switch between wide and narrow viewing angles.

[0003] Currently, the main method used is to attach a louver film to the display screen to achieve wide and narrow viewing angle switching. When privacy protection is required, the screen can be covered with the louver film to narrow the viewing angle. However, this method requires additional louver film, which causes great inconvenience to the user. Moreover, a piece of louver film can only achieve one viewing angle. Once the louver film is attached, the viewing angle is fixed in the narrow viewing angle mode, making it impossible to switch freely between the wide and narrow viewing angle modes. In addition, the privacy film will reduce the brightness and affect the quality.

[0004] The prior art also has a dual-box structure that uses a dimming box and a display panel to achieve switching between wide and narrow viewing angles, wherein the display panel is used for normal image display and the dimming box is used to control viewing angle switching. The dimming box includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the upper and lower substrates. The viewing angle control electrodes on the upper and lower substrates apply a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal molecules, causing the liquid crystal to deflect in the vertical direction to achieve a narrow viewing angle mode. By controlling the voltage on the viewing angle control electrodes, switching between wide and narrow viewing angles can be achieved. However, this display panel can only achieve bidirectional wide and narrow viewing angle switching, and the bidirectional wide and narrow viewing angle effect is poor. If you want to achieve four-way wide and narrow viewing angle switching, you need to set up two dimming boxes with dimming directions perpendicular to each other, forming a three-box structure. This is expensive and thick, which is not conducive to the development of thin and light displays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a display panel, a display device and a driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, so as to solve the problem of thick thickness of the display panel with four-way wide and narrow viewing angle switch in the prior art.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, comprising a dimming box and a display liquid crystal box stacked on each other, wherein a first polarizer is provided on a side of the display liquid crystal box facing the dimming box, and a second polarizer is provided on a side of the display liquid crystal box away from the dimming box, wherein a first light transmission axis of the first polarizer and a second light transmission axis of the second polarizer are perpendicular to each other; The dimming box includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate is provided with a first viewing angle control electrode and a second viewing angle control electrode on a side facing the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate is provided with a prism layer and a third viewing angle control electrode cooperating with the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode on a side facing the first liquid crystal layer; the first viewing angle control electrode includes a plurality of mutually parallel first electrode strips; the second viewing angle control electrode includes a plurality of mutually parallel second electrode strips; the first electrode strips and the second electrode strips are alternately distributed and both extend along a first direction; the refractive index of the prism layer is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer in a standing position or a lying position; the plurality of ribs of the prism layer are parallel to each other and both extend along a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other; In the two-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a lying posture / standing posture; in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a standing posture / lying posture; in the four-way wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a disordered and scattered state and have a scattering effect on light.

[0007] Furthermore, the first light transmission axis is parallel to the first direction, and the second light transmission axis is parallel to the second direction; Alternatively, the first light transmission axis is parallel to the second direction, and the second light transmission axis is parallel to the first direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the first liquid crystal layer uses positive liquid crystal molecules, the initial alignment pretilt angles of the first liquid crystal layer on the side close to the first substrate and the side close to the second substrate are both less than 15°, and the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer is parallel to the first transmission axis; Alternatively, the first liquid crystal layer uses negative liquid crystal molecules, and the pre-tilt angle of the initial alignment of the first liquid crystal layer is greater than 70°.

[0009] Furthermore, the dimming box has multiple dimming zones, each of which is provided with the first electrode strip and the second electrode strip. The first electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled, and the second electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled.

[0010] Furthermore, the third viewing angle control electrode is a planar electrode that entirely covers the second substrate; Alternatively, the third viewing angle control electrode includes a plurality of third electrode strips parallel to each other, the third electrode strips all extend along the first direction, each dimming zone is provided with a corresponding third electrode strip, and the third electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled.

[0011] Furthermore, the display liquid crystal box includes a color filter substrate, an array substrate arranged opposite to the color filter substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer located between the color filter substrate and the array substrate, the array substrate is provided with a pixel electrode, and the color filter substrate or the array substrate is provided with a common electrode that cooperates with the pixel electrode.

[0012] The present application also provides a display device with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, comprising a backlight module, a four-way privacy film, and a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles as described above, wherein the four-way privacy film and the display panel are both located on the light-emitting side of the backlight module, and the four-way privacy film is used to narrow the angle range of light emitted by the backlight module.

[0013] The present application further provides a method for driving a display panel, for driving the display panel as described above, the method comprising: Applying a first electrical signal to the first viewing angle control electrode, applying a second electrical signal to the second viewing angle control electrode, and applying a third electrical signal to the third viewing angle control electrode; In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer to be in a lying posture or a standing posture; In a four-way narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer to be in a standing posture or a lying posture; In the four-way wide viewing angle mode, there is a first voltage difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and there is a second voltage difference between the second electrical signal and the third electrical signal. The first pressure difference and the second pressure difference are both greater than a first preset value, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are in a disordered and scattered state and have a scattering effect on light.

[0014] Furthermore, the refractive index of the prism layer is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer when they are in a standing posture; and the driving method includes: In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer to lie flat; In the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are controlled to be in a standing posture.

[0015] Furthermore, the refractive index of the prism layer is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer when they are in a flat position, and the driving method includes: In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer to be in a standing posture; In the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer are controlled to be in a flat position.

[0016] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: the first electrode strips of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second electrode strips of the second viewing angle control electrode in the dimming box are alternately arranged and extend along a first direction; the refractive index of the prism layer in the dimming box is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer when in a standing or lying position; the multiple ribs of the prism layer are parallel to each other and extend along a second direction, with the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other. The prism layer is combined with the first liquid crystal layer to achieve a wide-narrow viewing angle switching effect in the first direction; the first and second electrode strips are combined with the third viewing angle control electrode to achieve a wide-narrow viewing angle switching effect in the dimming box in the second direction. As a result, a single dimming box can achieve full-range wide-narrow viewing angle switching, significantly reducing the thickness of the display panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the prism layer in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 1 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the first embodiment of the present invention in a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode.

[0024] Figure 8 4 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a four-way narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 93 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a simulation diagram of the display device in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 4 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a four-way wide viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the four-way wide viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a simulation diagram of the display device in the four-way wide viewing angle mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 14 It is a schematic planar structural diagram of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of the prism layer in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 17 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 18 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the third viewing angle control electrode in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 20 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 21 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 22 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 23 This is one of the planar structural diagrams of the display device in the present invention.

[0040] Figure 24This is the second schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, describes in detail the specific implementation, structure, features, and effects of the display panel, display device, and driving method with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to the present invention. [Example 1] Figure 1 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the prism layer in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the array substrate in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the color filter substrate in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a display panel with a wide and narrow viewing angle switchable provided by the first embodiment of the present invention includes a dimming box 10 and a display liquid crystal box 20 stacked on each other. The dimming box 10 is used to control the display panel to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, and the display liquid crystal box 20 is used to control the grayscale of the image display, that is, the display liquid crystal box 20 can be an ordinary liquid crystal display panel, which can control the light intensity of each sub-pixel, thereby controlling the grayscale of the image display. In this embodiment, the display liquid crystal box 20 is arranged on the light-emitting side of the dimming box 10, that is, the display liquid crystal box 20 is arranged on the side of the dimming box 10 close to the external environment. Of course, in other embodiments, the display liquid crystal box 20 can also be arranged on the light-incident side of the dimming box 10, that is, the display liquid crystal box 20 is arranged on the side of the dimming box 10 close to the backlight module 50.

[0043] The dimming box 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12 disposed opposite the first substrate 11, and a first liquid crystal layer 13 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. In this embodiment, the first substrate 11 is located on the side of the dimming box 10 facing the display liquid crystal cell 20, and the second substrate 12 is located on the side of the dimming box 10 facing the backlight module 50. Of course, in other embodiments, the first substrate 11 may be located on the side of the dimming box 10 facing the backlight module 50, and the second substrate 12 may be located on the side of the dimming box 10 facing the display liquid crystal cell 20.

[0044] The first substrate 11 is provided with first and second viewing angle control electrodes 111 and 112 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The second substrate 12 is provided with a prism layer 122 and a third viewing angle control electrode 121 cooperating with the first and second viewing angle control electrodes 111 and 112 on the side facing the first liquid crystal layer 13. The first viewing angle control electrode 111 includes a plurality of mutually parallel first electrode strips, and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 includes a plurality of mutually parallel second electrode strips. The first and second electrode strips are alternately arranged and extend along a first direction F1. The refractive index of the prism layer 122 is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 when in a standing or lying position. The multiple ribs of the prism layer 122 are parallel to each other and extend along a second direction F2, with the first and second directions F1 and F2 being perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the third viewing angle control electrode 121 is a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the second substrate 12, and the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 are slit electrodes that cover the entire surface of the first substrate 11. That is, the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 cover the entire surface of the first substrate 11 without interruption. The cross-sectional shape of the ribs in the prism layer 122 is semicircular, that is, the ribs are horizontally arranged semi-cylindrical structures.

[0045] Furthermore, the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 are located on different layers and are insulated and spaced apart from each other. Both the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 are slit electrodes. The first viewing angle control electrode 111 includes a first connecting electrode, through which multiple first electrode strips are conductively connected; the second viewing angle control electrode 112 includes a second connecting electrode, through which multiple second electrode strips are conductively connected. Of course, in other embodiments, the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112 can also be located on the same layer and insulated and spaced apart from each other, thereby being etched from the same metal layer.

[0046] A first polarizer 31 is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal box 20 facing the dimming box 10, and a second polarizer 32 is provided on the side of the display liquid crystal box 20 away from the dimming box 10. The first transmission axis T1 ( Figure 2 ) and the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32 ( Figure 2) are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the first transmission axis T1 is parallel to the first direction F1, and the second transmission axis T2 is parallel to the second direction F2. That is, the extension directions of the first electrode strips and the second electrode strips are parallel to the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31, and the extension directions of the ribs in the prism layer 122 are parallel to the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32. For example, in this embodiment, the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31 is 0°, the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32 is 90°, the first direction F1 is the left-right direction, and the second direction F2 is the up-down direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31 may also be 90°, the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32 may be 0°, the first direction F1 is the up-down direction, and the second direction F2 is the left-right direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 13 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, i.e., liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, wherein Δn=ne-no, Δn>0. The larger Δn is, the more favorable it is for light dispersion at a wide viewing angle. Preferably, positive liquid crystal molecules with Δn=0.25 and retardation>800nm ​​are used. Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, the pretilt angles of the initial alignment of the first liquid crystal layer 13 on the side close to the first substrate 11 and the side close to the second substrate 12 are both less than 15°, that is, the first liquid crystal layer 13 is in a lying position, and the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are aligned parallel to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and the alignment directions of the positive liquid crystal molecules close to the first substrate 11 and the positive liquid crystal molecules close to the second substrate 12 are reversely parallel, and the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31, that is, the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the first direction F1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the refractive index of the prism layer 122 is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 when in a standing position, that is, the refractive index of the prism layer 122 is equal to n0. By aligning the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 parallel to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the first electrode strips and the second electrode strips extend in parallel with the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31, and the ribs in the prism layer 122 extend perpendicular to the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31. As a result, in the initial state, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne, which is relatively uniform. Furthermore, a refractive index difference is formed with the prism layer 122, enabling the dimming box 10 to achieve a bidirectional narrow viewing angle effect (wide viewing angle left and right, narrow viewing angle up and down) in the initial state. Of course, in other embodiments, the refractive index of the prism layer 122 is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 when they are in a lying position, that is, the refractive index of the prism layer 122 is equal to ne. Therefore, in the two-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a standing position; in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a lying position.

[0049] The display liquid crystal box 20 includes a color filter substrate 21, an array substrate 22 disposed opposite to the color filter substrate 21, and a second liquid crystal layer 23 located between the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. Preferably, the second liquid crystal layer 23 uses positive liquid crystal molecules, i.e., liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy. Figure 1 As shown, in the initial state, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 23 are aligned parallel to the color filter substrate 21 and the array substrate 22. The positive liquid crystal molecules on the side close to the color filter substrate 21 are aligned parallel or antiparallel to the positive liquid crystal molecules on the side close to the array substrate 22. In other embodiments, the array substrate 22 and the first substrate 11 can share a single substrate to reduce the cell thickness of the display panel.

[0050] Among them, such as Figure 5 As shown, a color filter substrate 21 is provided with color resist layers 212 arranged in an array and a black matrix 211 separating the color resist layers 212. The color resist layers 212 include red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color resist materials, which form corresponding red (R), green (G), and blue (B) sub-pixels. The black matrix 211 is located between the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, separating adjacent sub-pixels from each other.

[0051] like Figure 4As shown, on the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines are insulated and intersected to form a plurality of pixel units P. Each pixel unit P is provided with a pixel electrode 222 and a thin film transistor. The pixel electrode 222 is electrically connected to the data line of the adjacent thin film transistor through the thin film transistor. The thin film transistor includes a gate, an active layer, a drain, and a source. The gate and the scan lines are located on the same layer and are electrically connected. The gate and the active layer are separated by an insulating layer. The source is electrically connected to the data line, and the drain is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 222 through a contact hole.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a common electrode 221 is further provided on the side of the array substrate 22 facing the second liquid crystal layer 23. The common electrode 221 and the pixel electrode 222 are located in different layers and are insulated and isolated by an insulating layer. The common electrode 221 can be located above or below the pixel electrode 222 ( Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the common electrode 221 is located below the pixel electrode 222. Preferably, the common electrode 221 is a planar electrode provided on the entire surface, and the pixel electrode 222 is a slit electrode having multiple electrode strips within each pixel unit P, so as to form a fringe field switching mode (FFS). Of course, in other embodiments, the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may be located on the same layer, but the two are insulated and isolated from each other. The pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221 may each include multiple electrode strips, and the electrode strips of the pixel electrode 222 and the electrode strips of the common electrode 221 are arranged alternately to form an in-plane switching mode (IPS). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the array substrate 22 is provided with a pixel electrode 222 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, and the color filter substrate 21 is provided with a common electrode 221 on the side facing the second liquid crystal layer 23, so as to form a TN mode or a VA mode. For other introductions to the TN mode and the VA mode, please refer to the prior art and will not be repeated here.

[0053] The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the color filter substrate 21, and the array substrate 22 can be made of materials such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. The first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, the third viewing angle control electrode 121, the common electrode 221, and the pixel electrode 222 can be made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0054] This embodiment also provides a display device with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, comprising a backlight module 50, a four-way privacy film 40, and a display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles as described above. The four-way privacy film 40 and the display panel are both located on the light-emitting side of the backlight module 50. The four-way privacy film 40 is used to narrow the angle range of light emitted by the backlight module 50 to enhance the narrow viewing angle effect. The four-way privacy film 40 is equivalent to a miniature Venetian blind structure that can block light with a larger incident angle and allow light with a smaller incident angle to pass through, thereby reducing the angle range of light passing through the four-way privacy film 40. The four-way privacy film 40 includes a light-blocking wall with a grid structure and a light-transmitting hole located between two adjacent light-blocking walls. Light-absorbing material is provided on both sides of the light-blocking wall.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a method for driving a display panel, for driving the display panel with a wide and narrow viewing angle switchable as described above. The driving method includes: Figure 6 1 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to lie flat. Specifically, no voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121, or the same DC common voltage (Vcom) is applied. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 are applied with a first electrical signal V1, a second electrical signal V2, and a third electrical signal V3, respectively. The first electrical signal V1, the second electrical signal V2, and the third electrical signal V3 are all DC common electrical signals. No vertical electric field is formed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 maintain their initial lying position. That is, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne, which is relatively uniform and forms a refractive index difference with the prism layer 122. The prism layer 122, in combination with the first liquid crystal layer 13, scatters light in the first direction F1 (e.g., the left-right direction), enabling the dimming box 10 to achieve a bidirectional narrow viewing angle effect (wide left-right viewing angle, narrow up-down viewing angle).

[0056] In the bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, the display liquid crystal box 20 is used to display a normal picture. Specifically, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, and a horizontal electric field is generated ( Figure 7In the embodiment of the present invention, the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal electric field. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltages. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit P presents different brightness, thereby displaying different pictures, so as to realize normal display of the display device under bidirectional narrow viewing angle.

[0057] Figure 8 4 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a four-way narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to be in a standing posture. Specifically, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 all apply corresponding four-way narrow viewing angle signals. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 apply the first electric signal V1, the second electric signal V2, and the third electric signal V3 respectively. There is a third voltage difference between the first electric signal V1 and the third electric signal V3, and between the second electric signal V2 and the third electric signal V3. The third voltage difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value (for example, 10V). For example, the third electric signal V3 is a DC common electric signal, and the first electric signal V1 and the second electric signal V2 are both AC signals greater than or equal to 10V and with the same frequency. The polarity of the first electric signal V1 and the second electric signal V2 is the same, so that a strong vertical electric field ( Figure 9 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a standing position, that is, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is n, which is relatively uniform and the same as the refractive index of the prism layer 122, so that the dimming box 10 can achieve a four-way narrow viewing angle effect (up / down / left / right narrow viewing angle).

[0058] Figure 10 : is a simulation diagram of the display device in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven by the vertical electric field to deflect toward the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 and take a standing posture.

[0059] In the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the display liquid crystal box 20 is used to display a normal picture. Specifically, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, and a horizontal electric field is generated ( Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal electric field. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltages. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit P presents different brightness, thereby displaying different pictures, so as to realize normal display of the display device under four-way narrow viewing angles.

[0060] Figure 11 4 is a waveform diagram of a viewing angle control signal when the display device is in a four-way wide viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the four-way wide viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in the four-way wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to be in a disordered and scattered state, thereby scattering light. Specifically, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 all apply corresponding four-way wide viewing angle signals. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 apply a first electrical signal V1, a second electrical signal V2, and a third electrical signal V3, respectively. A first voltage difference exists between the first electrical signal V1 and the second electrical signal V2, and a second voltage difference exists between the second electrical signal V2 and the third electrical signal V3. Both the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference are greater than a first preset value (e.g., 10V). For example, the first electrical signal V1 and the third electrical signal V3 are both DC common electrical signals, and the second electrical signal V2 is an AC signal greater than or equal to 10V. At this time, a strong horizontal electric field is formed between the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and a strong vertical electric field is formed between the second viewing angle control electrode 112 and the third viewing angle control electrode 121. Under the action of the vertical electric field and the horizontal electric field, the positive liquid crystal molecules can be driven to deflect in the horizontal and vertical directions toward the preset direction, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a disordered and scattered state, and the refractive index range is between no and ne, and a refractive index difference is formed with the prism layer 122. The prism layer 122 is combined with the first liquid crystal layer 13 to scatter light in the first direction F1 (for example, the left and right direction), and the refractive index of liquid crystal molecules with different tilt angles is different and has a scattering effect on the light in the second direction F2 (up and down direction), so as to achieve a four-way wide viewing angle mode.

[0061] Figure 13 : is a simulation diagram of the display device in the four-way wide viewing angle mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, in the four-way wide viewing angle mode, the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are driven by the vertical electric field and the horizontal electric field, and the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 will be in a disordered scattered state, so that the refractive index range of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is between no and ne.

[0062] In the four-way wide viewing angle mode, the display liquid crystal box 20 is used to display a normal picture. Specifically, a common voltage is applied to the common electrode 221, and a corresponding grayscale voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 222. A voltage difference is formed between the pixel electrode 222 and the common electrode 221, and a horizontal electric field is generated ( Figure 12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the positive liquid crystal molecules are deflected in the horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal electric field. The grayscale voltage includes 0 to 255 grayscale voltages. When different grayscale voltages are applied to the pixel electrode 222, the pixel unit P presents different brightness, thereby displaying different pictures, so as to realize normal display of the display device under four-way wide viewing angle.

[0063] [Example 2] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, the display panel with wide and narrow viewing angles switchable, the display device and the driving method provided by the second embodiment of the present invention are similar to those provided by the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the first transmission axis T1 is parallel to the second direction F2, and the second transmission axis T2 is parallel to the first direction F1. For example, the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31 is 90°, the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32 is 0°, the first direction F1 is the left-right direction, and the second direction F2 is the up-down direction. Among them, the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31, that is, the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the second direction F2. Of course, in other embodiments, the first transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer 31 can also be 0°, the second transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer 32 can be 90°, the first direction F1 is the up-down direction, and the second direction F2 is the left-right direction, that is, the first electrode strips and the second electrode strips both extend in the up-down direction, and the ribs in the prism layer 122 extend in the left-right direction.

[0064] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] [Example 3] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the prism layer in the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the display panel with wide and narrow viewing angles switchable, the display device and the driving method provided in the third embodiment of the present invention are similar to those in the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ), Example 2 ( Figure 14 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the ribs in the prism layer 122 is triangular, that is, the ribs are horizontally placed triangular prism structures.

[0066] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0067] [Example 4] Figure 17 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the display device in the initial state in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first viewing angle control electrode and the second viewing angle control electrode in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the third viewing angle control electrode in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the display panel with wide and narrow viewing angles switchable, the display device and the driving method provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention are similar to those provided by the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ), Example 2 ( Figure 14 ), Example 3 ( Figure 15 and Figure 16 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the dimming box 10 has multiple dimming zones, each of which is equipped with a corresponding first electrode strip and a second electrode strip. The first electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled, and the second electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled. By independently controlling the electrical signals on the first and second electrode strips in each dimming zone, wide and narrow viewing angle control effects can be achieved in different regions.

[0068] Furthermore, the third viewing angle control electrode 121 includes a plurality of mutually parallel third electrode strips, each of which extends along the first direction F1. A third electrode strip is provided in each dimming zone, and the third electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled, thereby reducing signal interference between the dimming zones. Of course, in other embodiments, since the third viewing angle control electrode 121 applies a common electrical signal at both wide and narrow viewing angles, the third viewing angle control electrode 121 can also be a planar electrode that covers the entire surface of the second substrate 12.

[0069] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, and will not be described in detail here.

[0070] [Example 5] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the initial state in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 As shown, the wide and narrow viewing angle switchable display panel, display device and driving method provided in the fifth embodiment of the present invention are similar to those in the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ), Example 2 ( Figure 14 ), Example 3 ( Figure 15 and Figure 16 ), Example 4 ( Figures 17 to 19 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 13 uses negative liquid crystal molecules, that is, liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy, such as Figure 20 As shown, in the initial state, the pretilt angle of the initial alignment of the first liquid crystal layer 13 is greater than 70°, that is, the first liquid crystal layer 13 is in a standing position in the initial state. For example, the negative liquid crystal molecules and the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are aligned perpendicular to the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, that is, the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 13 in the initial state is n. Therefore, in the initial state, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is n, and the refractive index is relatively uniform. It is the same as the refractive index of the prism layer 122, so that the dimming box 10 achieves a four-directional narrow viewing angle effect (up / down / left / right narrow viewing angle).

[0071] This embodiment also provides a method for driving a display panel, for driving the display panel with a wide and narrow viewing angle switchable as described above. The driving method includes: refer to Figure 8As shown, in the bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to lie flat. Specifically, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 all apply corresponding four-directional narrow viewing angle signals. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 apply a first electrical signal V1, a second electrical signal V2, and a third electrical signal V3, respectively. There is a third voltage difference between the first electrical signal V1 and the third electrical signal V3, as well as between the second electrical signal V2 and the third electrical signal V3. The third voltage difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value (e.g., 10V). For example, the third electrical signal V3 is a DC common electrical signal, and the first electrical signal V1 and the second electrical signal V2 are both AC electrical signals with a voltage greater than or equal to 10V and the same frequency. The first electrical signal V1 and the second electrical signal V2 have the same polarity, so that a strong vertical electric field is formed between the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the third viewing angle control electrode 121, and between the second viewing angle control electrode 112 and the third viewing angle control electrode 121, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a lying position, that is, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is ne, the refractive index is relatively uniform, and a refractive index difference is formed with the prism layer 122. The prism layer 122 cooperates with the first liquid crystal layer 13 to scatter light in the first direction F1 (for example, the left and right directions), so that the dimming box 10 achieves a two-way narrow viewing angle effect (wide viewing angle left and right, narrow viewing angle up and down).

[0072] refer to Figure 6 As shown, in the four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to assume a standing posture. Specifically, no voltage is applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121, or the same DC common voltage (Vcom) is applied. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 are respectively applied with a first electrical signal V1, a second electrical signal V2, and a third electrical signal V3. The first electrical signal V1, the second electrical signal V2, and the third electrical signal V3 are all DC common electrical signals. No vertical electric field is formed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, causing the positive liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 to maintain their initial standing posture. That is, the refractive index of the entire first liquid crystal layer 13 is zero, which is relatively uniform and the same as the refractive index of the prism layer 122. This enables the dimming box 10 to achieve a four-way narrow viewing angle effect (up / down / left / right narrow viewing angle).

[0073] refer to Figure 11As shown, in the four-way wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are controlled to be in a disordered and scattered state, thereby scattering light. Specifically, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 all apply corresponding four-way wide viewing angle signals. For example, the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121 apply a first electrical signal V1, a second electrical signal V2, and a third electrical signal V3, respectively. A first voltage difference exists between the first electrical signal V1 and the second electrical signal V2, and a second voltage difference exists between the second electrical signal V2 and the third electrical signal V3. Both the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference are greater than a first preset value (e.g., 10V). For example, the first electrical signal V1 and the third electrical signal V3 are both DC common electrical signals, and the second electrical signal V2 is an AC signal greater than or equal to 10V. At this time, a strong horizontal electric field is formed between the first viewing angle control electrode 111 and the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and a strong vertical electric field is formed between the second viewing angle control electrode 112 and the third viewing angle control electrode 121. Under the action of the vertical electric field and the horizontal electric field, the positive liquid crystal molecules can be driven to deflect in the horizontal and vertical directions toward the preset direction, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 are in a disordered and scattered state, and the refractive index range is between no and ne, and a refractive index difference is formed with the prism layer 122. The prism layer 122 is combined with the first liquid crystal layer 13 to scatter light in the first direction F1 (for example, the left and right direction), and the refractive index of liquid crystal molecules with different tilt angles is different and has a scattering effect on the light in the second direction F2 (up and down direction), so as to achieve a four-way wide viewing angle mode.

[0074] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, and Embodiment 4, and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] [Example 6] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the initial state in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 As shown, the display panel with wide and narrow viewing angles switchable, the display device and the driving method provided in the sixth embodiment of the present invention are similar to those in the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ), Example 2 ( Figure 14 ), Example 3 ( Figure 15 and Figure 16 ), Example 4 ( Figures 17 to 19 ), Example 5 ( Figure 20 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the dimming box 10 includes dye molecules 14. Dye molecules 14 intermix with the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 13 and rotate synchronously with them. Dye molecules 14 are positive dye liquid crystal molecules. The light absorption capacity of positive dye liquid crystal molecules is greater than that of their short axes. Positive dye liquid crystal molecules have strong light absorption capacity along their long axes and weak light absorption capacity along their short axes. By mixing dye molecules 14 into the first liquid crystal layer 13, the light absorption capacity of the dimming box 10 at narrow viewing angles can be enhanced, thereby enhancing the narrow viewing angle effect.

[0076] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, and Embodiment 5, and will not be described in detail here.

[0077] [Example 7] Figure 22 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in the initial state in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 As shown, the display panel with wide and narrow viewing angles switchable, the display device and the driving method provided by the seventh embodiment of the present invention are similar to those provided by the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 13 ), Example 2 ( Figure 14 ), Example 3 ( Figure 15 and Figure 16 ), Example 4 ( Figures 17 to 19 ), Example 5 ( Figure 20 ), Example 6 ( Figure 21 ) are basically the same as those in the embodiment of the present invention, except that: In this embodiment, the four-way privacy film 40 includes a first privacy film 41 and a second privacy film 42 stacked together, with the light-collecting directions of the first and second privacy films 41, 42 perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first privacy film 41 collects light in the left-right direction, while the second privacy film 42 collects light in the up-down direction. Both the first and second privacy films 41, 42 act like miniature Venetian blinds, blocking light with larger incident angles while allowing light with smaller incident angles to pass through, thereby reducing the angular range of light passing through the first and second privacy films 41, 42. Both the first and second privacy films 41, 42 include multiple parallel light-blocking walls and light-transmitting holes between adjacent light-blocking walls. Light-absorbing material is provided on both sides of the light-blocking walls. The light-blocking walls of the first privacy film 41 extend along the second direction F2, while the light-blocking walls of the second privacy film 42 extend along the first direction F1.

[0078] Those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining structures and working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4, Example 5, and Example 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] Figure 23 and Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The display device is provided with a viewing angle switching button 60 for the user to send a viewing angle switching request to the display device. The viewing angle switching button 60 may be a physical button (such as Figure 23 As shown), it can also be a software control or application (APP) to achieve the switching function (as shown Figure 24 As shown, for example, a slider is used to set the wide and narrow viewing angles. When a user needs to switch between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle, the user can operate the viewing angle switching button 60 to send a viewing angle switching request to the display device. Ultimately, the driver chip 70 controls the electrical signals applied to the first viewing angle control electrode 111, the second viewing angle control electrode 112, and the third viewing angle control electrode 121. The display device can switch between a bidirectional narrow viewing angle, a four-way narrow viewing angle, and a four-way wide viewing angle. When switching to a four-way wide viewing angle, the driving method thereof adopts the driving method corresponding to the four-way wide viewing angle mode. When switching to a bidirectional narrow viewing angle, the driving method thereof adopts the driving method corresponding to the bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode. When switching to a four-way narrow viewing angle, the driving method thereof adopts the driving method corresponding to the four-way narrow viewing angle mode. Therefore, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention has strong operational flexibility and convenience, achieving a multifunctional display device integrating entertainment video and privacy protection.

[0080] In this document, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are defined based on the positions of structures in the accompanying drawings and their relative positions to each other, for the sake of clarity and convenience in presenting the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of these directional terms does 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 used solely for distinctions and are not intended to limit quantity or order.

[0081] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this profession can make some changes or modifications to the technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which are equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, characterized in that: The invention comprises a dimming box (10) and a display liquid crystal box (20) which are stacked on each other, wherein a first polarizer (31) is provided on a side of the display liquid crystal box (20) facing the dimming box (10), and a second polarizer (32) is provided on a side of the display liquid crystal box (20) away from the dimming box (10), wherein a first light transmission axis (T1) of the first polarizer (31) and a second light transmission axis (T2) of the second polarizer (32) are perpendicular to each other; The dimming box (10) comprises a first substrate (11), a second substrate (12) arranged opposite to the first substrate (11), and a first liquid crystal layer (13) arranged between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (12); the first substrate (11) is provided with a first viewing angle control electrode (111) and a second viewing angle control electrode (112) on a side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13); the second substrate (12) is provided with a prism layer (122) and a second viewing angle control electrode (111) cooperating with the first viewing angle control electrode (111) and the second viewing angle control electrode (112) on a side facing the first liquid crystal layer (13). Three viewing angle control electrodes (121), wherein the first viewing angle control electrode (111) comprises a plurality of mutually parallel first electrode strips, the second viewing angle control electrode (112) comprises a plurality of mutually parallel second electrode strips, the first electrode strips and the second electrode strips are alternately distributed and both extend along a first direction (F1), the refractive index of the prism layer (122) is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) when in a standing posture or a lying posture, the plurality of ribs of the prism layer (122) are mutually parallel and both extend along a second direction (F2), and the first direction (F1) and the second direction (F2) are perpendicular to each other; In a two-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a lying posture / standing posture; in a four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a standing posture / lying posture; in a four-way wide viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a disordered and scattered state and have a scattering effect on light.

2. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to claim 1, wherein: The first light transmission axis (T1) is parallel to the first direction (F1), and the second light transmission axis (T2) is parallel to the second direction (F2); Alternatively, the first light transmission axis (T1) and the second direction (F2) are parallel to each other, and the second light transmission axis (T2) and the first direction (F1) are parallel to each other.

3. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to claim 1, wherein: The first liquid crystal layer (13) uses positive liquid crystal molecules, the initial alignment pre-tilt angles of the first liquid crystal layer (13) on the side close to the first substrate (11) and the side close to the second substrate (12) are both less than 15°, and the alignment direction of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is parallel to the first transmission axis (T1); Alternatively, the first liquid crystal layer (13) uses negative liquid crystal molecules, and the pre-tilt angle of the initial alignment of the first liquid crystal layer (13) is greater than 70°.

4. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to claim 1, wherein: The dimming box (10) has a plurality of dimming zones, each of which is provided with a corresponding first electrode strip and a corresponding second electrode strip. The first electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled, and the second electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled.

5. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third viewing angle control electrode (121) is a planar electrode that entirely covers the second substrate (12); Alternatively, the third viewing angle control electrode (121) includes a plurality of third electrode strips parallel to each other, the third electrode strips all extending along the first direction (F1), each dimming zone is provided with a corresponding third electrode strip, and the third electrode strips in two adjacent dimming zones are independently controlled.

6. The display panel with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The display liquid crystal box (20) comprises a color film substrate (21), an array substrate (22) arranged opposite to the color film substrate (21), and a second liquid crystal layer (23) located between the color film substrate (21) and the array substrate (22); a pixel electrode (222) is provided on the array substrate (22); and a common electrode (221) matched with the pixel electrode (222) is provided on the color film substrate (21) or the array substrate (22).

7. A display device with switchable wide and narrow viewing angles, characterized in that: The invention comprises a backlight module (50), a four-way privacy film (40), and a display panel with a wide and narrow viewing angle switchable as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the four-way privacy film (40) and the display panel are both located on the light-emitting side of the backlight module (50), and the four-way privacy film (40) is used to narrow the angle range of light emitted by the backlight module (50).

8. A method for driving a display panel, characterized in that: Used to drive the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the driving method comprising: Applying a first electrical signal (V1) to the first viewing angle control electrode (111), applying a second electrical signal (V2) to the second viewing angle control electrode (112), and applying a third electrical signal (V3) to the third viewing angle control electrode (121); In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) to be in a lying posture or a standing posture; In a four-way narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) to be in a standing posture or a lying posture; In the four-way wide viewing angle mode, there is a first voltage difference between the first electrical signal (V1) and the second electrical signal (V2), and there is a second voltage difference between the second electrical signal (V2) and the third electrical signal (V3), and both the first voltage difference and the second voltage difference are greater than a first preset value, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are in a disordered and scattered state and have a scattering effect on light.

9. The method for driving a display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The refractive index of the prism layer (122) is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) when they are in a standing posture; and the driving method comprises: In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) to be in a flat position; In a four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are controlled to be in a standing posture.

10. The method for driving a display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The refractive index of the prism layer (122) is equal to the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) when they are in a flat position, and the driving method comprises: In a bidirectional narrow viewing angle mode, controlling the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) to be in a standing posture; In a four-way narrow viewing angle mode, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer (13) are controlled to be in a flat lying posture.

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